Am I betraying a confidence?
Kids tell us things from their hearts meant only for our ears and our hearts only. They’re secrets that need to be kept.
Could this give them an unfair label?
But, don’t broadcast it more than necessary.
It’s not pretending sin doesn’t happen, it’s loving our kids and giving them respect while they’re overcoming a sin.
Could what I share embarrass them later?
Could sharing their rebellion turn them farther from the Lord?
When our kids were young, Scott and I gleaned encouraging and spiritual advice about parenting from many wonderful families.
However, when their kids became teenagers, there was a roadblock on that information highway. Initially, we thought it was because of shame over their kids’ behavior.
We were wrong. Out of love and respect, these parents were guarding their kids from undue criticism and judgement for their struggling kids.
Christians can sometimes remember sins long after the Lord has made them as far as the east is from the west. They didn’t want them to be remembered the rest of their lives as “the kid who did _________________.”
Will my vocalized disappointment with their decisions mar their testimony?
Let’s face it, no matter how much we love and respect our parents, none of us are living our lives and our faith exactly as they did. We need to give our older kids the same respect. If they aren’t making the decisions we’d like them to, leave it with the Lord.
Always pray, give advice when asked, and allow the Lord to complete the work. Let them grow up.
Share their victories, their good decisions, their accomplishments. Let people see them through your eyes of praise.
If there’s nothing to praise and you are dealing with a prodigal, then just praise the Lord.
His promises will come true in that child.
- Can you trust the person?
- Will she repeat what you are saying?
- Will she give you Biblical advice?
- Will she pray for you and with you?
- Will she still love your child?
Laurie says
Oh wow. I totally forgot about the cat thing. What a hoot. And absolutely wonderful advice following a humorous memory!
Laurie says
Oh wow. I totally forgot about the cat thing. What a hoot. And absolutely wonderful advice following a humorous memory!
klmorell says
Thanks, Mindy. That was so good. May the Lord help us to be an example to our children in this area of life!
klmorell says
Thanks, Mindy. That was so good. May the Lord help us to be an example to our children in this area of life!
Sarah says
Thanks again for sharing your pearls of wisdom. I need to be reminded of this all the time. I let something out of my mouth the other day to my son and after 5 min the Holy Spirit convicted me deeply to apologise. It is very serious! xxx
Sarah says
Thanks again for sharing your pearls of wisdom. I need to be reminded of this all the time. I let something out of my mouth the other day to my son and after 5 min the Holy Spirit convicted me deeply to apologise. It is very serious! xxx
Judith says
I am too tired to do anything but lay on the sofa and be blessed by your blog!! This whole article is too true!! There were a couple lines that I found to be a huge encouragement.
Judith says
I am too tired to do anything but lay on the sofa and be blessed by your blog!! This whole article is too true!! There were a couple lines that I found to be a huge encouragement.
mr_bulow says
Failing to follow this advice can severely damage the foundation of trust between your child and you for a long, long time. Such is my experience.
mr_bulow says
Failing to follow this advice can severely damage the foundation of trust between your child and you for a long, long time. Such is my experience.
Monique says
Very good advice. You gave me some food for thought today.
Monique says
Very good advice. You gave me some food for thought today.
Music Maiden says
That makes a lot of sense … thank you.
Music Maiden says
That makes a lot of sense … thank you.
The Queen of Brussels Sprouts says
MM…so wise, so wise! Thank you for these reminders.
The Queen of Brussels Sprouts says
MM…so wise, so wise! Thank you for these reminders.
nitalinb says
Excellent advice, that I wish I had better followed.
nitalinb says
Excellent advice, that I wish I had better followed.