Parenting Isn’t for Cowards

“Raising children is like gardening: you reap what you sow!”

-Loretta Lynn

In a world filled with chaos and confusion, it’s still possible to raise children to avoid the major pitfalls of life. Every parent wants to see their children excel and thrive, so let’s review a few strategies that can help our children discover their purpose and fulfill their potential this year.

Family is the environment where a child develops their values, self-worth, and confidence in themselves. Every one of us, young and old, needs role models, mentors, and a positive motivating life coach to help us migrate through life’s myriad challenges.

Spending quality time doing things together that you both enjoy is vital in building connections. This will enhance trust and keep the doors of communication open.

Engaging in those activities can help you talk openly and honestly with your children about your life experiences as well as your expectations of them, while intently listening to their thoughts and ideas. Expressing your love and confidence in them during these moments lays the foundation necessary for honest communication to take place.

There are going to be many frustrating moments for both of you as you endeavor to guide them through the maze of life. One key practice is to cheer for their small successes and don’t exaggerate the messes. God is a master at turning our mess into success!

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

One thing to remember is your child has never been this age before. Everything is new and often confusing and perhaps even frightening. Empathize with their struggles and don’t dismiss their feelings and perceptions, or even their misperceptions. 

Take time to listen and to explain the reasons you have certain rules, boundaries, and consequences. Positive discipline methods and rewards are vital. Children tend to repeat behaviors both good and bad that are acknowledged. Kids need your kind and firm guidance. It is like giving them guardrails on their road to destiny. Endeavor to stay away from the comparison game: “Why aren’t you more like your brother, sister, or the kid at church?”

Each of us is unique in our gifts, abilities, and personalities and we abhor being compared to other people. I am confident every child needs words of affirmation, positive praise, and lots and lots of hugs.

“I guess I feel somehow, it’s normal 

to address someone in terms informal. 

Four hugs a day is just enough, 

but who wants merely to survive? 

It also seems to me insane 

to hug enough to just maintain. 

At all ages folks want to grow 

12 hugs a day is the way to go!” 

-(Author Unknown)

Dr James Dobson said, “Parenting isn’t for cowards”. That is such an accurate statement. You don’t have to be a genius to be great at raising your child, just courageous, sincere, kind, and loving. The good news is God is on your side and with His strength and wisdom you can help your child thrive in 2025!

We would love to have you and your family worship with a local church. There are ministries across our community that are designed to assist you and your children to excel in grace and life in Christ Jesus.