Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
By: Angie Hathaway
Dear Mommas,
Throughout my 20 years as a youth ministry leader, I have sat with countless sons and daughters as they expressed the lack of love or welcomeness felt in their own homes. It is heartbreaking.
Certainly, such sentiment has a lot to do with the culture our children are growing up in. But as parents, we cannot sit idly, allowing them to believe these lies.
God’s word warns us in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”
If our desire is for our children to live full lives, then complacency has no place in our relationships. There is a world vying for their attention and an enemy prowling like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8).
Let’s stand guard and reconnect with our children.
In my conversations with youth, there are three reoccurring themes, things that children need from us, no matter the age.
Time – Children need our uninterrupted time. They must have time to connect face-to-face with us without the distractions of phones or TVs blaring in the background. Giving children 15 minutes of undivided attention each day will create a strong bond and a safe atmosphere where they feel more comfortable sharing their lives with us.
Show up – Be present for as many things as possible, whether ball games, concerts, or recitals. Every single one matters. Children may roll their eyes when their “uncool” mom shows up, but our presence provides much-needed reassurance that they matter to us.
Listen – Everyone needs a safe place to talk through their experiences and ask hard questions without judgment or opinion. Instead of listening with the intent to respond, just sit and listen. The conversations will begin slowly, but the more they realize you are there to offer love and support, the more they will open up in the future.
Parenting is HARD. No one gets it right all of the time. But if we are intentional in these three areas, together, we can help positively shape the next generation, beginning with the ones in our homes.
Join me next week, and I will share with you three common parenting mistakes and how to best avoid them.
Sincerely,
Mama Hath
JOIN US FOR OUR 2022 MOTHER DAUGHTER CONFERENCE!!
ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT!
October 28 – 30, 2022
FOR MOMS AND DAUGHTERS 6TH – 12TH GRADE
CAMP WILLOW SPRINGS – LAKE GASTON, NC
Modern Dorms
Canoeing, Ropes Course, The Giant Swing, Camp Fire/Smores Saturday evening
Worship
Moms Only – Parenting Segment
This is a unique location and a wonderful opportunity to spend special time with your daughter(s)!
