Preparation is a vital part of success. Why else do we spend so much time and money on education? We invest in training and equipping to ensure we are ready for life. I know the hours I spend helping my kids with homework is not simply because I want them to get good grades. I help them to ensure they become successful adults, and incidentally, move out of my house some day!
I want my children to be smart, savvy, wise to the ways of the world, to make good choices in a mate, and to be able to provide for themselves. I often say to my boys, “Be a leader, not a follower!” This proclamation has behind it a desire for them to not simply follow the crowd, but be someone who set the direction. I want my kids to excel and be great! All of this most parents would desire and hope for. The problem is this doesn’t happen on accident. Preparing our kids for adulthood and the future requires us as parents to lead them and coach them to success. What will it take? What do they need?
1. They Need You
We should never underestimate the power of presence. There is no replacement or supplement for you, Mom and Dad to be present in your child’s life. They need to see you, talk to you, cry with you. They need you at the game, they need you at dinner with them, need you at church, and they need you encouraging them. You are irreplaceable. They may say its ok that you’re not there, and obviously we can’t be at everything, however make it a point to be available. They need us to be their biggest cheerleaders. It builds confidence, security and feeling loved.
2. They Need Guidance
Kids don’t raise themselves. They need you as a parent to guide and direct their decisions and paths. Kids need their parents to navigate for them, help them make good decisions and allow them to experience consequences of bad decisions. They need you to coach them, not always tell them what to do. They don’t always need to be rescued from bad decisions, it is how they learn and grow. Ask yourself some of the most impactful lessons you have learned, chances are it was after failing. Kids don’t know how to be adults, we have to show them by our example. We shouldn’t ask kids and teenagers to be more mature than we are. They are not our servants, they are not given to us by God to serve us but for us to serve them.
3. They Need Grace
I cannot think of a more impactful part of my childhood than when my parents showed me grace. They showed me love and acceptance at times I least deserved it. We all want to “make our kids” follow our directions and perform well, however it takes intentional work to show grace when they mess up. I find, I have to daily work on this. Being gracious to your kids is not natural. Grace comes from understanding that we have received love from God through Jesus. Because we have received so much grace, we must offer it . Especially to our children. My boys often need correction and discipline, like me they always need grace.
4. They Need Jesus
Simply put, may we never forget that their salvation and trust in the Lord is our number one priority. They need you to guide them to Christ everyday. They need you to lead them spiritually. They need you to take them to worship and bible study. Their spiritual life trumps everything.! We work hard and spend lots of money to help our kids succeed in school and sports. Lets put the same work and effort into their faith!
Parenting is work. Parenting is a stewardship. Will your kids be prepared?
FAITH HOPE LOVE 