Sacrificing Our Children

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Sacrificing Our Children

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I recently researched the importance of touch in childhood development. I was surprised to find that many of the symptoms linked to a lack of touch are increasing in many countries. It’s especially happening in the United States.

Many things, from asthma and allergies to emotional and social problems, are linked to lack of touch. It has even been connected with the failure to thrive—or even death! Part of the problem is that we in the U.S. don’t touch a lot. There are also other factors at play when it comes to our kids. Many kids spend most of their childhood in daycare and school environments. In most cases workers aren’t allowed to touch them (to avoid abusive situations). Parents carry their kids less because they use car seats and strollers. Unless a child’s family is very loving and intimate, it’s unlikely they’ll be receiving enough touch.

Our kids face other hurdles besides the lack of touch. Advertisers find kids very valuable as a market, but our society tells them they aren’t really valuable. We consider them so cheap, in fact, that they can be killed before birth—without legal consequences. Studies show that children of divorced parents almost never fare as well as children in intact families. But many adults make relationship decisions without considering whether their choices are good for their children. Educators decide on new standards that aren’t about what’s good for children. Instead they focus on raising test scores. Programs that aren’t linked to standardized tests—like art, music, library services, and physical education—are often dropped. This is despite evidence that they’re helpful to children’s development.

In the Old Testament, God despised societies who practiced child sacrifice. It was a common and horrible practice. It was done to try and gain favor of a false god. I think it’s reasonable to ask whether our society today is now doing the same thing. Are we sacrificing our children’s health, wellbeing, and even their very lives to ensure our fulfillment and success? Life isn’t perfect. We often do have to make less than ideal decisions. But I think it’s worth critically examining your personal decisions. Ask yourself, “Am I sacrificing my child for convenience’s sake?”

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Comments

  • Lena VanAusdle
    @kathysanny, I'm glad that you've found you can relax and be affectionate with your church family. Sometimes we have to break the cycles that were started in the generations before us.
  • kathysanny
    Chrissy-I came from similar circumstances to yours, and there was also abuse involved. After she was older my mom would try to hug me, but it never felt natural to me. It took having my own children for me to be open to hugs. When I was young if someone approached me too close I would take a step back from them. I was pretty much a loner even in the church until I was older and able to relax.
  • Exago
    Funny enough I still remember the one time mummy gave me a peck, dad was not around so touch did not exist, but now as a father I would not allow such repeat with the kids GOD helping me.
  • Exago
    Hi Kate, Psalm 68.6 was my scripture while unmarried, GOD sure does settle the solitary.
  • chrissy_65

    it was the same way when i was growing up,, my dad was an alcholic, and my mom worked aot,, so i found it hard to even hug my parents,, so when i had my own kids i tried my best to not be like them and give my kids alot of loving,, but when i started going to church there were people who were huggers and it took me awhile to warm up to that fact,, now i am a hugger ha

  • Katherine Rowland

    Linda, it is so good to be part of a Church family! It reminds me of Psalm 68:6, where it is written that "God sets the lonely in familes..."

  • kodjo

    Hello! Yes it is the reallity.Amen

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