My mouth literally dropped open when I viewed this video about RIE (Resources for Infant “Educarers”) parenting, which supports treating babies and kids like adults. I keep telling myself there’s nothing left out there to surprise me and then—I see something like this. Maybe it’s my old age seeping out of my pores, but this is insane. RIE indeed. I’m not buying it. And I’m not even sure I buy the stats.
How do you feel about this type of parenting (and I use the term parenting advisedly)? “Educarers” isn’t even a word and rightly so.
Children don’t come to us learned. We, their parents, must teach them. We must instill in them values to live by. We must council them. We must guide them. God instructs us to do so. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (KJV). We also read: In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness. Titus 2:7 (NIV) And here’s one that I know is going to make some people’s heads explode: Do not withhold disciple from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. Proverbs 23:13 ESV
As parents, we are not our kid’s BFF. Certainly we must encourage our children and always show our affection for them. Don’t confuse that with being friends. Because as stated in Titus 2:7 we must be an example. We must disciple our children. As parents we must also instill the truth in them. We must be strong communicators. And by all means have fun with our kids; making sure they understand there is a time for fun and a time for seriousness. But if we don’t teach them these things, it’s inconceivable to me how they should just know it.
RIE—SERIOUSLY?? I’m so glad my kids are all grown!
Now it’s your turn. What are your thoughts on RIE parenting? Don’t be shy. You don’t have to agree with me—it won’t hurt my feelings. Let’s get a conversation going.
