Some parents overlook vital roles in the lives of their children. Parenting is not just about sending children to the most expensive schools, buying them trendy clothes, shoes, gadgets, and other luxuries. While these provisions are important, they are not enough. Many parents focus solely on feeding and financially supporting their children, believing these to be their primary responsibilities.

But what about emotional support? What about being attentive? What about being approachable and friendly enough for your children to trust you? What about giving your children the freedom to relate to you as they would to a trusted friend or sibling? What about creating an environment where your children feel safe opening up their minds to you? Why do some parents neglect to show the unconditional love their children need, forcing them to seek it from strangers? Why are you so strict that your children are afraid to talk to you? Why must your children hesitate or feel burdened before they can share their struggles, sadness, or fears?

Some parents have no idea what their children are going through because they fail to build genuine relationships with them. For some children, speaking openly to their parents feels awkward or even forbidden. As a result, they bottle up their emotions, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and even depression.

Many children resort to lying because they believe their parents cannot handle the truth or will judge them harshly. Overprotective parenting, while well-intentioned, can backfire. It can teach children to hide aspects of their lives, leading to deceit and a breakdown of trust.

Protection is necessary, but excessive control can be harmful. Parents should encourage open communication, allowing their children to share their thoughts, activities, relationships, and struggles freely and without fear. Parents should listen attentively and offer loving advice, avoiding harsh words or using their children's vulnerabilities against them in the name of correction.

Parents should be problem solvers, not contributors to their children's struggles. Unfortunately, some mothers, for instance, are overly harsh and unfriendly, creating emotional distance between themselves and their children. Their constant reminders of authority "I am your mother" during light-hearted interactions can stifle closeness. Children may feel they cannot play or laugh freely with such parents. Mothers, as nurturers, play a critical role in shaping a child’s emotional health. A harsh, overly critical mother can inadvertently push her children away, leaving them to confide in outsiders. This can expose children to exploitation and manipulation, all because of their parents’ neglect of emotional availability.

Parents are often the architects of their children's behaviors, good or bad. When you constantly criticize and fail to praise or affirm your children, you risk damaging their self-esteem. Children need to feel loved, appreciated, and celebrated. They need to hear words of affirmation like, "You are beautiful," "I’m proud of you," and "I love you." Sadly, for many parents, such words are rare. Instead, they are quick to scold, often making children feel as though they can never do anything right.

The Bible provides guidance on this matter: "Parents, do not provoke your children to anger" (Ephesians 6:4) and "Do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged" (Colossians 3:21).

As parents, strive to be your children's best friends, confidants, mentors, role models, and guides. Your role goes beyond providing quality education, food, clothing, and shelter. Create a bond so strong that your children will feel your positive influence even in your absence. Be friendly and approachable. Provide your children with emotional security. Let them see you as their all-in-all, a source of love, support, and understanding.

When parents fulfill these vital roles, they empower their children to grow into confident, happy, and emotionally healthy individuals.