It is so hard to be consistent. I guess I wrote this post as a reminder to myself. Sometimes we need to bend as parents (because we too can be wrong), but we need to learn how to gently but firmly bend the character of our children into whom they will be someday in the future.
My wife and I also agree. That is a tremedous blessing.
I don't like the idea of "bending" your child. I prefer "guiding" with acceptance of who they are and what qualities they have. You can "bend" them out of shape so that they can never recover themselves and what they were supposed to do in their life.
I see your concern with the word "bend." For me, guidance is what happens as we teach our children to use their giftings and skills so that they can become adult versions of themselves. Guidance is how we teach them to love, respect, and care for other people. Guidance requires seeing an example. I desire to be that example for my children.
Maybe a better word for "bend" is correction. Correction indicates that something is wrong and efforts need to be made to get things back on track. Correction still needs to be done in love and with patience.
Even though both are done for the well being of our children, I see this two activities starting at different points. Thanks for your input!
Thank you for clarifying. Well done!