be different

Why You Don’t Want Normal Kids

The parent support group was deep in discussion about school. Several parents expressed concern that their kids weren’t fitting in. We covered topics like bullying, keeping a low profile, and what we can do to make sure our kids don’t get picked on. When the pastor spoke up, many parents weren’t sure they liked what they heard: “But aren’t we raising our kids to be different in this culture?” he said. “I don’t believe we really want our kids to be just like everyone else.”

Think about it. You don’t want your kids to be normal. Normal isn’t working. Our kids must be trained and motivated to rise above the childish and trivial fixations of this generation to be all God intends them to be. What we really want is for our children to be abnormal. Here are the 4 ways your children should be different.

1. Faith That Empowers

No matter your background, faith is about believing we are not the beginning and the end of the conversation about anything. Dynamic faith that makes a difference is not run-of-the-mill. Children who learn to own strong faith have access to God’s resources and the power they need to lead happy and productive lives.

2. Friends Who Encourage

Choosing the right friends has repercussions that can affect everything. Believe us, you don’t want your child to have the same friends as “everyone else.” The “popular” kids may not be the best choice. And when has “everyone does it” been an excuse for anything good? Teach your kids to be friendly to everyone, but teach them to build relationships that reinforce the values you are teaching them.

3. Finances That Work

It’s never too early to stand out from the crowd in money management. Your kids should learn to save from day one, only buy items when they have the money in hand, cultivate generosity to others, plan for the future, and be accountable for their resources. That’s not normal. But it should be.

4. Their Commitment to the Future

Plans can (and will) certainly change, but having no plan at all is a guarantee for failure.

There’s a difference between rigid programming and a workable vision for the future. Planning and vision always pay off. Encourage your kids to develop reasonable short-term and long-term goals, and then coach them to successful completion. Over time, back off and let them take control of the process. No child should graduate high school without a clear sense of what is possible. Plans can (and will) certainly change, but having no plan at all is a guarantee for failure. And that’s the “F” word we’re all looking to avoid.

Sound off: Why do you think it’s good to have “abnormal” kids?

Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What are some things that make you unique?”