Parenting Is A Tough Job

Parenting is a tough job, but I also think that being a kid is tough too. Tough because they have to deal with parents that are learning on the job. I have caught myself wondering why God doesn't inject us with all the right parenting skills before we need them. I think just about the time I figure out how to parent, my kids will be on their way into their own adult lives.

This is what I think I know so far as a parent of teens.

• God has taught me more than he has likely taught them during the teen years.
• We all come into this world with baggage - our kids have plenty and our job is to help shape them. It's a long process. It's hard work, but it is worth it. We are all rebels and that makes is tough.
• Pray a whole lot more.
• Say less and love more.
• Kids make decisions not because we are bad parents, but because they have a sin nature.
• Kids also make decision because we don't make good decisions. They do watch us.
• The old saying more is caught that taught - that works.
• I need to find ways to have fun with my teens, even when they act like they don't want me around.
• Pray lots.
• Did I say pray lots...do that.
• Love your spouse. If you are divorced...respect your spouse.
• Go to church and bring them along. You make them eat their veggies, wear clean underwear and go to school. We need to place church attendance high on the priority list. Instead of making them go to gramma's or making them do the family night out, let them know that church is one thing we do as a family. I know, they want to sleep in, but they will get over it.
• Love God with all your heart. Work on your own relationship with your heavenly father. Your kids are watching.

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6 NLT