Instant Parent Success

from October 2022

Courageous Women of Scripture

Gò0dNews for Parents

Instant Parent Success

by Brenda Dedmon

There are so many resources available on “How To Do” most anything you could ever imagine. I was in a conversation with friends recently, and the question came up about the best way to choose paint colors. It was less than a minute when one friend had found ten best ways on her phone.

I find this true with parents searching for the best way to be great parents. However, when it comes to parenting skills, there are no quick or easy answers. There is an abundance of ideas offering the perfect way. I hate to disappoint you, but there is not an instant way. This article will not give you instant answers either, but it will give ideas for what the child needs most from parents.

Children always need to feel loved and spend quality time with parents. If you stop and look at the actual waking hours spent with your child, would you be surprised at the number? Children are so involved in activities which require lessons, practices, and performances that it limits parent/ child interaction. I believe children should be involved in activities, but not so many that it takes away from your family time.

Parents often feel “parental peer pressure” to have their children involved in numerous activities because it seems “everyone is doing it.” To avoid this situation, do not compare your family life to others. You have no idea what their journey is about, and you need to spend your time looking at what is best for your family.

Where do you find help for this awesome and daunting task of being a parent? The best starting place is in the Bible.

We are reminded in Proverbs how teaching children leads to a productive life. “Teach a child how to follow the right way; even when he is old, he will stay on course” (Proverbs 22:6). The following are simple suggestions to begin this teaching process, but it is not instant and will involve an important word, TIME.

• Spend time in prayer asking God to guide you in discovering His plan for your family • Create a family-safe place where a child is loved, valued, and accepted for who they are • Develop a positive environment where every day your family is giving something good to others • Protect family time by learning to set boundaries for yourself and children • Lead your family to process energy, enthusiasm, and empathy for life • Involve your family in discovering their best selves and develop dreams and plans to accomplish those goals • Practice living the motto, “The Best is Yet to Come” and “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up”

As you continue in your parent journey, remember God has given you the best gift ever, your child. Psalms 127:3, “Children are a gift from God, they are his reward.” He will guide you in your journey to take care of His gift.

About The Author Written by Rev. Brenda Dedmon, retired director of the CLC, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid BAMA fan.