Thoughts on Parenting

I've been dealing with some "parental problems" lately. Not so much in regards to raising my kids, but in dealing with some parents in my group who are... well... you know, having some problems. These are some things that came to my mind. Feel free to comment if you like. I need all the help I can get.

SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS ON PARENTING:

- The reason children have parents is because they need them. Our children live in a world that by-and-large does not care for them or about them. They need someone who will guide, support, encourage and love them no matter what. For your child/children… that someone is YOU!

- Parents should put the needs of their children above their own. The truth is: You are supposed to be the grown up, they are not. They won’t be with you forever.

- Your children will likely grow up to be the same type of adult you are. If you don’t want them to be like you – CHANGE YOURSELF – don’t expect your child to do it!

- Parenting requires a ton of grace, patience, energy, understanding & love. And it should all be at no cost to your child. It’s a free service we provide because it’s an outgrowth of those things we have been given by our Father in heaven. Your children will make no more mistakes than you have.

- Don’t expect your child to do for you. You do for them (at least until you’re senile).

- Parenting is probably the most difficult thing you will ever do. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t have all the answers. But DON’T EVER quit.

- (For those of you like me with kids about to graduate): Your children need you now more than ever. This is likely the biggest transition point in their life to date. No matter what… Now is not a time to be selfish. Now it is of utmost importance that you be the parent. Now is not a time to reject, neglect, or make your child feel guilty or insecure. Now is the time to support, encourage, and love like never before. Granted, it may have to be in subtle ways; it will require great amounts of restraint in public; will result in many tears in private… but as much as your child may not know it, now is when they need you to be their parent more than ever.

- Do everything you can to let your children know how valuable they are to you. Doubt is a natural human emotion; it is supernatural for kids and teenagers.

- Finally, your children are YOUR responsibility. Don’t expect someone else to care for them or about them. There are people who would be willing – some of them might even have pure motives – but as God created your child from you, He also expects you to eternally love and care for them as well.

- P.S.S - If you feel overwhelmed at times... join the club. Take a deep breath; talk to someone; pray.

This prayer accompanies the carnation given when parents present their children for the Lord’s blessing in our church. It is my prayer for parents everywhere today:

We give you this white carnation as a symbol of the purity and innocence of your child. It is also a symbol to remind you that the loveliest flowers that grow in the garden of your life are your children, and that your highest calling is to nurture them in the fear and admonition of the Lord, that they may grow in beauty, usefulness, and faith, and may it serve to remind you of the vows you have taken to be the guide and teacher of their lives. Amen.

Hold on to the faith, my friends. Much peace. revolution.