Why have children? DINCs, This is For You!

First there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the Boomers, the Busters, the Boomlets, and Generation X. Now we have the DINCs, which stands for Double Income, No Children. I'm not talking about those who are unable to have children or who postpone having children until their financial crisis or mega-time-commitment to career has stabilized. I'm referring to those who are determined not to have children. Ever. Period. If this is your situation, please consider what follows.

Those of us who have crossed the Rubicon into parenthood know all about the liabilities involved--expenses, additional stress, unasked-for criticism, awakening to cries at 3 A.M. We also know its joys--a baby's smiles, that first step, the first words, clapping for the little league big play, giving away the bride to a worthy man. And, well, yes, we know about the challenges it presents us--having to be more responsible and less impulsive, coming home on time, planning ahead, having to set a good example, having your inconsistencies and little hypocrisies exposed.

It is in this last area--parenthood's challenges--that its greatest blessings lie. Children force us to become less self-centered, to think of another person's interests ahead of our own. It is true that God will also be teaching DINCs to become unselfish, but the learning process will probably be more drawn-out and difficult for them. What I'm saying is that children can be the chisel God uses to sculpt us into the image of Jesus Christ. Those loving relationships you form with your children can pull you through any trials.

The Bible is quite clear about the value of children: "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate" (Ps. 127:3-5 NIV). Of course, what is true of fathers and their sons is also true of mothers and their daughters.

All of this, and we haven't even mentioned relieving the emptiness felt by all of us PODWOGs (Parents of DINCs Without Grandchildren)! Think about it!

Copyright ? 2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

---

Do You Have the Loving Relationship With Your Children That You Desire?

Most people with children want to be good parents. The majority of parents want the best for their kids, but at what cost to the kids? If what we are doing as parents... Read More

Guide to Choosing Plush Toys for Children

Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say that plush is a soft material that children love very much and that plush toys are so adorable, that you can't resist them.I... Read More

Why Wont My Child Do as I Say?

In speaking with parents a comment I frequently hear is "My child won't listen!" Repeated attempts in trying to get a child to co-operate often lands on deaf ears and leaves parents feeling... Read More

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: What Do We Mean by Attention Anyway?

When we talk about attention, we are talking about two different kinds of abilities: The ability to focus on a specific task put in front of us to do, such as school work,... Read More

The Seven Keys to Child Obedience

Learning obedience is an important part of child development. This is the tool that allows you as parents to train your child. Through obedience your child will learn self-control and develop other positive... Read More

Children Cooperate When Appreciated

Do you want your child to cooperate with you more?Children are much more likely to cooperate with adults who like being with them and who let them know they are worthwhile. This builds... Read More

The Science of Mother Love

A growing body of scientific evidence shows that the way babies are cared for by their mothers will determine not only their emotional development, but the biological development of the child's brain and... Read More

Are Parents Trying Too Hard?

One of the implications of the current trend toward smaller families is that we now have a generation of parents who are willing to go to enormous lengths to give their children a... Read More

Childhood Obesity

Economist John Kenneth Galbraith has said that more people die in this country of too much food than of too little. It's an appalling notion - but an accurate one. As of 1999... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: Self-Decorating or Self-Harm - How to Tell the Difference

Q. I need your help with a question about my teen-age daughter. Getting her ears pierced was no big deal, but then she wanted to get a belly button ring and a tongue... Read More

How To Help Your Child Learn

Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every child. The way that your child learns depends a number of different factors, which combined together, create his unique learning style. By helping your... Read More

My Teenaged Parents

Frankly, as a single parent of young children, I struggled. But, as the single parent of teenagers, I stunk! Faced with the reality of children who could (and did) do whatever they really,... Read More

I Cant Sleep Without You

When my firstborn arrived into this serene and peaceful household, my entire world was transformed into a warzone and funfare at the same time. He became the focus of my attention throughout the... Read More

My Sons Deployment

One of the most difficult struggles in life for a parent is the struggle that occurs when the parent is attempting to keep their child safe and the child is attempting to explore... Read More

Bird Flu Pandemic

What are the easiest things citizens can do to prevent spreading in an epidemic outbreak in America of a virus. There are many things you can do and warn your kids not to... Read More

Moms - Get More Energy Now

Let's be honest! When it comes to parenting, men expect their wives or partners to do the lion's share.There are signs that we're moving toward a more enlightened age in which ALL parents... Read More

Study Skills - How Can YOU Help Your Kids?

Some years ago when touring the Scottish Highlands, a man I met said something that's stuck with me ever since.He was elderly, yet was still working away on his small farm. He had... Read More

Is Your Discipline Damaging the Spirit of the Child?

If your parenting methods include abuse of any kind; physical, sexual, emotional or verbal, please get help to stop as soon as possible. Adults are supposed to safeguard and protect the young among... Read More

The Ten Most Common Poisons Among Kids

For parents, keeping our kids safe is a constant top priority. But even with the best intentions it's possible to overlook some potentially harmful household poisons. According to the National Academy of Poison... Read More

You Make Me Sick And Other Things Parents Say in Anger

Maryann is so focused she's blind. She's slipped over the edge of responsibility and forgot the real reason she is working so hard. It's for her daughter.Being a single parent isn't easy. Between... Read More

Develop Your Childs Genius: The King of Games - the Game of Kings

Many people still think that the game of chess is appropriate for old people. In their mind's eye, they see 2 elderly people sitting across from each other in the park, playing a... Read More

The Family Guy - Parenting From a Single Dads Perspective

It was a hot summer day in august and The courthouse was without cold air. I wiped my brow as I entered the crowded courtroom. Several times I had appeared in family court,... Read More

More than Mom and Dad

Love, love, love. It makes the world go round. It makes a family. So why does it seem the moment you have a baby, love, or at least your love life as you... Read More

Raising a Violent-Free Teen in 10 Easy Steps

The disquieting behavior of teenagers in the 21st century, is being hailed by experts as a disturbing trend among troubled youth. Such an interpretation may be factual, but mental heath advocates maintain there... Read More

Maximizing Your ADHD Childs Performance in School.

As a parent there are lots of things that you can do to help your child with ADHD succeed in school, with friends, and in life. Here are some tips for you that... Read More

Taking Home Souvenirs, Not Junk

Gift shops are a kid magnet and often a trip highlight! Do you cringe at the sight inexpensive trinkets and novelty items that will be lost or broken in the span of hours?... Read More

Ten Tips for a Great First Day of School!

Many children are jittery on the first day of school. Listed are ways to prepare your child for the big day!-Read books about school.-Talk to other children about school, especially siblings or neighborhoodfriends.... Read More

Got To, Get To ? Change The Way Your Family Thinks

I recently heard a story that has literally changed the way that I, and my family, think about life. The story is as follows:There was once a high-powered woman in her 30s who... Read More

Influencing Adolescents - Guided Democracy

You need to smart to be able influence adolescents. You need to be able to stand back a little, hold your tongue and wait your turn to speak.Recently, Sam my seventeen year old... Read More