Parenting is hard. And it is easy to get frustrated and react without always thinking through the consequences. When we scream at a young child, we may get a momentary sense of release or relief. But the damage it can do will far outlive the anger or annoyance we would feel. This Facebook post about a father and son is a beautiful example of the balance between unconditional love and support, while acknowledging what was done wrong and helping the child learn how to avoid this situation in the future. The Talmud teaches that a parent should pull close with the right hand and push away with the left. Just being forgiving and kind is as problematic as just being strict and harsh, as the first leaves the child with no sense of responsibility or consequence whereas the latter leaves the child insecure and fearful. This father being described truly accomplishes this directive of both pulling and pushing in the most caring way possible.
(Credit: Facebook page of Kalynne Marie)
