Flash Parenting
I was thrilled to discover the origin of a widely used saying recently. It’s great having something like this explained, but even better seeing it demonstrated, especially by a great friend who shares a passion for exciting and slightly dangerous exploits. We’ve shared a number of these, and so when he called to invite me to witness an experiment of sorts (one with much historical and scientific value you understand) I could hardly wait.
It’s called a “Brown Bess”, a 200 year old Flintlock rifle. If you’re like us, you’re probably wondering if it still works? More about that later, but first a bit about how it works.
A spring loaded hammer releases a trigger on which an actual piece of stone (flint) is fastened. In front of the hammer is a brass hollow called the flash pan. The striking flint smashes against another lever called a “frizzen”, pushing it back and showering sparks onto the powder in the pan. This burning powder flares through a small hole in the breech and ignites the charge which explodes and propels the shot.
If that sounds complex, it’s because it is, and if it seems that lots can go wrong, it does. Every part of the rifle needs constant and focused attention and care or else things go haywire. The flint can come loose, the frizzen can wear out and fail to spark, or the powder can get wet or spill out. Still more things can go wrong, like when the powder ignites without detonating the main charge. When this happens you get a “flash in the pan” but the shot never gets fired. Fun for us, but disastrous for a soldier.
Back to our experiment, of course we tried it, not the shot, just the flash. The flash and cloud of white smoke was most satisfying, if not somewhat pointless. The whole experience though, did make me think about parenting. It’s also complex and lots can, and does, go wrong.
I often get too busy, and fail to commit the needed attention to my children. Then I feel guilty, and try and make it up to them with flashy gifts, holidays or outings. That’s not what they need. They need consistent, focused attention and care. “Flash in the pan” parenting hurts our children. The staggering rise in teenage suicide, even here in our own community, is testimony to the pressure they are under.
Our children need us, and what they need is consistent and committed love, attention and prayer. There is no substitute, and no better way of dealing with problems. Daily, focused time, listening to them, guiding them, encouraging them and praying with them is worth infinitely more than any number of flashy gifts and holidays. Enjoy making memories this holiday time with your children!
