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Ways for Parents to Love Their Kids // by Jen Smidt
Many of the tips below are really hard to
live out! It is our hope that you take away a few of these and try to practice
them with your kids. This is not a ‘do-this-and-you-will-be-successful’
article, but rather ways to love our kids well and point them back to Jesus.
1.
Set Jesus as the Standard
There is no man other than Jesus who
demonstrates perfection. You will never go wrong in upholding him as the
source, pointing to him as the example, and depending upon him for the answers.
It’s all about Jesus, all of the time.
2.
Pray for Them and Over Them
You aren’t in control of their lives –
God is! Isn’t that a huge relief for us?! What better time than now to put
yourself in line with God’s plan for your kids by releasing them in prayer?! Parents
have an awesome opportunity to pray for the intimate details that they know
about her kids’ hearts.
3.
Let Them Make Decisions
Start small with choices like red or blue
shirt, and move to increasing responsibility over time management and bigger
life choices. Give them opportunities to lead in your home: chores, devotions,
and family nights can be planned and executed by students growing in maturity.
4.
Serve Them
Love them with food, fun, folding of
laundry, and more! Let them see that you are willing to sacrificially serve
them. Teach them to be grateful and one day they may actually thank you! :)
5.
Teach Them to Serve You
Servanthood does not come naturally to
most of us. As you cheerfully serve your kids, look for ways to instruct and
involve them in active service also! There will come a time when it is no
longer helpful but harmful for you to be folding your boy’s undies. Plus, who
doesn’t want some help with the chores around the house?!
6.
No Secrets
Hidden sin & leading double lives are
two of the most common things that teens wrestle with. Cultivate a climate of
open confession and generous forgiveness. It is much more powerful for your
kids to feel like they can freely confess sin than have to hide in fear of your
reaction. Discipline for an action should never feel like a break in the parent/child
relationship.
7.
Name Sin Biblically
“Kids will be kids” thinking has potential
to be harmful. Try to differentiate between childish foolishness &
downright rebellion. The former needs instructions and the latter needs
correction. Name their sin with accurate descriptions from Scripture – this way
they can repent and grow to be more like Jesus! Remember, it is ultimately
about change of heart, not correction of behavior!
8.
Let Consequences Fall on Their Heads
Children are not too young to recognize
the painful effects of sin. If kids are continually being shielded from natural
consequences, they will have a distorted sense of self & sin. Let them feel
the pain of their sin coupled with the restorative effects of grace. We want to
let the Gospel of Jesus & the forgiveness that He offers meet kids in the
midst of sin, and invite them to rest in the Grace that He so freely gives!
