The Need for Parental Supervision

by Travis L Quertermous

From The Reminder, July 24, 2011

Some time ago, 60 Minutes did a report on adolescent elephants that were becoming a serious problem at an animal reserve in Africa. Some of the young males were moved to a new area of the park due to over-crowding. But they soon became unruly and even dangerous. They formed gangs, began throwing branches, and even killing the rhinoceroses. Efforts were made to control these young elephants, but some of them had to be put down eventually.

Finally, one of the animal handlers figured out the problem. The young males had no role models; no older male elephants to teach them how to behave properly. So some older, bigger, bull elephants were added to the herd. And guess what? They whipped the adolescent males into shape in a hurry and the problem was solved. It’s amazing what adult supervision will do for children.

The same principle is just as true for human children as it is for elephants. The wise king Solomon wrote, “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (Prov. 29:15). Parents, remember that your children need your love and guidance. As important as teachers, coaches, preachers, grandparents, and babysitters are, they cannot replace you. Be sure you are spending quantity and quality time with your children!