See Your Kids for Who They Are and Parent Them
(Inside: Dear God, please help me see my kids for who they are and parent the kids in front of me. Hear my prayer for wisdom and discernment…)
Dear God,
Help me parent the kid in front of me.
The one you shaped and formed and knit together, exactly as he is, intentionally, beautifully, and then called your works wonderful. (Psalm 139:13-14)
Help me to see my son for HIM.
His talents.
His personality.
His strengths.
His weaknesses.
His tendencies.
Him.
Help me keep in perspective what I need to teach him and what he needs to figure out.
Lord, guide me in working with my son to learn…
What it means to be a part of a family – from daily life packed with contributing, routines, love, apologies, grace, and always, always, always arms wide open.
That you are real, love him immensely, and are working in his life. You’re shaping, moving, growing, and pulling good out of the hard.
How to navigate this world. Teaching him through school, sports, activities, church, and friendships to be organized, get things done, communicate, and work well with others.
That he is valued and loved exactly as he is. He does not need others’ approval or affirmation, no way. He is enough, so can walk with his head held high and shoulders back.
Help me to step back and let my son…
Try new things to discover his own passions and directions.
Navigate peers and friendships, so he learns who his people are and how to be a good friend.
Pursue his own relationship with you, whatever that looks like for him.
Stumble and fail so he can learn from his mistakes.
Experience the full consequences of life, so he can grow into a man of integrity.
Learn to lead his own life without all my *helpful* advice.
Dear, God. You know I have a big personality. You know my heart beats type-A-catch-the-wind-go-go-go, so help me not to push my dreams onto him. Help me give him space to grow into HIM.
Then nudge me to stand back and admire your handiwork.
Praise you for how you created him.
Marvel at the gift of my son.
Please hear my prayer for discernment and guidance.
Help me parent the kid in front of me.
Trusting you,
a-mom-who-loves-her-growing-big-kid-a-lot
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Cheryl is a mom of 3 boys, wife, speaker, high school teacher, and author of Empowered Moms & Kids. She has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is passionate about learning and teaching. On www.empoweredmomsandkids.com you’ll find inspiration and encouragement for moms raising tweens and/or teens. Read more in the “about” section of this page.
