It’s Okay to Cry
Posted on Feb 11, 2008 under Children |There is a time for everything… a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time mourn and a time to dance.Ecclesiastes 3:1,4
As parents, we make a lot of decisions about what to teach our children is appropriate and what is inappropriate. No doubt, there can be disagreement in some areas and no clear cut right or wrong. We all do the best we can.
One attitude that has bothered me for decades is the parent, often a father, who teaches a son that “men don’t cry.” Once, many years ago, I heard a father say that to his young son. I didn’t know this father and other than that statement, he seemed very loving and attentive to his son. That one comment, bothered me. I said nothing but I sure did want to step in and tell that little boy to go right ahead and cry.
Children need to learn that it’s okay to cry. In fact, children need to see their parents - both mom and dad - cry when the situation warrants it. Crying is a response to sadness or grief. Normal human emotions do not threaten anyone’s manhood; we should all feel comfortable expressing both positive and negative emotions.
God has blessed us with the ability to feel deeply. We should be grateful to Him for that. He tells us that there is a time to weep. Let’s not forget that tears are okay and let’s make sure that our children - boys as well as girls - are always comfortable enough to express their emotions with us.
