Not long ago in my devotions I ran across this passage.

Romans 5:3-5 NIV

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

The burning question in my mind was: "How am I shielding my children from suffering?
Am I hindering them from building perseverance? How about their character?"

"Am I modeling perseverance?"

As I type this, I have one child who is admirably persevering in his quest to avoid bedtime. Not the hope I was looking for! :)