Parenting is NOT for sissies.
We make a lot of mistakes as parents. It’s a wonder any of them survive, right!?
We can mess up in so many ways: put them in a protective bubble be over controlling and give them no life of their own. What about the narcissistic who makes it all about themselves…or the wildly inconsistent. Then there’s the perfectionist…the parent with too many rules and roles…or the ones that control by withholding love or affection and praise. Perhaps too permissive never saying no, never offering discipline.
Bottom line: we’re imperfect people raising imperfect children in an imperfect world. That’s a recipe for a lot of dysfunction. In today’s podcast, we look at a family that made some mistakes WE CAN LEARN FROM!
THEY DIDN’T RECOGNIZE THE NATURAL DIRECTION OF THEIR CHILDREN
God created your children with differences. Ask Him what He wants them to be like and how He wants you to raise them. Honor Him in their interests and personality. Find their uniqueness then release them to pursue God’s plan for their lives. We don’t raise our kids to be a better version of us…we raise them to be the best version of who God made them to be.
THEY PLAYED FAVORITES
Sometimes this is human nature, but some days you like one more than the other…and some days you don’t like any of them! Favoritism often has everything to do with selfishness. The consequences can be terrible. It’s hard and we need God to help us love them the same no matter what.
THEY FAILED TO TEACH SPIRITUAL VALUES
Children want and need guidance. Parents, it is our job to teach our children about the things that matter most. Teach them to trust God.
If your parenting has been a disaster, repent. Start right now! Confess that you’ve messed up. Then move forward in grace and forgiveness. If your parents messed up, you can let it cripple you or you can forgive. All of this starts with your heavenly Father. Trust Him!
This weeks message from Steve Carpenter is from our Atoka Campus. If you missed the message or want to hear it again, listen on-line or tune in to our podcast.