Matthew 11:18-19
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'
19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."

Jesus had a reputation of someone who loves to have fun eating and drinking and being friendly with all kinds of people. His lifestyle was so funfilled and partying, people accused him of being glutton and drunkard. Jesus was emotionally nurturing people and not emotionally depriving people. Eventhough Jesus is son of God, he did not live socially and emotionally disconnected to the people around him.

John 11:35
Jesus wept.

Eventhough Jesus has all ability to solve any problems, this short verse shows how Jesus was expressing his emotions and connected with empathy towards people which is very nurturing.

John 21:15-17
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

Jesus kept asking Simon if he loves me feed the sheep and the lamb. Through this he defined his ministry which is all about nurturing souls... starting with our own children. As parents we may end up in this life style of exasperating the children by emotionally depriving them of empathy, comfort and guidance.

Parents who fall in this unhealthy life style want their children to learn how to behave and be calm. They do not particularly like passion including crying. Noise is a nuisance whether stemming from joy, happiness, pain or hurt. These type of parents do not like to talk about emotions and feelings.

Sometimes parents emotionally deprive their children by being too busy for them. When children are raised by baby sitters and grandparents they do not get adequate empathy and guidance from the parents and experience exasperation.

Some parents are incapable of being warm, affectionate, nurturing and showing empathy because of their own upbringing.

Some parents may go through such difficult times in marriage and they are consumed with the marital problems and have little left over to emotionally give to kids.

Some parents may get hurt by children's behaviour and react by switching off from the children which may cause exasperation of being emotionally deprived for the children.

Today's Practical

Go out for icecream together as a family.

Share some jokes to your kids and laugh together.

Decide to stick to a daily schedule of spending time with the kids and engage them in an emotional level.