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Mom’s Taxi

I saw these words on the bumper of a van: “Mom’s Taxi”.  As a parent, I understand the attempt at humour.  As an educator, I am trying not to scream out at all levels why this is so wrong. To debase the parental role to mere transportation at the whim or desire of the child is appalling. Ok, before you think I can’t take a joke, please bear with me. Let’s split this phrase two ways.  If it is sarcastic humour, then I am all in. If this is a complaining type of humour, then you, my dear driver, are in a heap of self-made pain. Is this what you signed up for when you had children?

Parenting is a focused, intentional activity at producing well-developed future adults. You have them for a few years, and out they go to create their own living environs. The time spent with you is all about training.  How many hours are you spending on reading, listening, and learning about how to best parent in a Christ-like manner?

Training to Understand Their Place Under God

There is no higher activity than spending quality time leading a child through the scriptures, and allowing them to understand their need for a Saviour and how that will change their life focus.  It’s not all about them! God’s command to children is to obey their parents. (Eph. 6:1-3)

Training to Understand Their Place in the Family

You are the adult, and by this title, you are responsible for the direction and care of the family unit.  Children become what you allow them to be. Think about that comment long and hard. They are not the centre of this group, but the participants.

Training to Understand Their Place in Society

Life is moving so quickly that children are facing culture shock in their own culture. Well-defined home time, that develops community integration skills, is paramount to creating a functional human who needs to join the ever-changing world.

Extracurricular activities that require a mode of transport is often required.  However, if you are spending more time as a taxi driver than a loving caring, directing parent, then you have a huge problem. Now is the time to deal with it before it’s too late and they buy their own vehicle, for then you have lost those precious training years forever.

Do want to know another one of my irritating bumper stickers?  Maybe another time!