We are Christ-followers, and we want our boys to know God's love, grace, and presence as they grow. I have struggled with much of what is labeled as “Christian” parenting advice that focuses on forcing obedience. After much prayer in dealing with some intense emotional issues with our oldest, I stumbled upon Parenting for Wholeness as well as Janet Lansbury's blog on Respectful Infant Education and have read a couple of her books now. These approaches, while in no way overtly Christian, in-practice are so much more in-line with the fruits of the Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-control), and they feel right to me. This is how I want to raise my children. I want children that I have a close relationship with who obey out of love, not out of fear or manipulation. And I fully believe that’s what God wants in a relationship with us, too. Still, I struggle on difficult days and fall back into demanding obedience and threatening spankings when I am frustrated. It seems this program and group could help support me in how to walk this walk practically, day-to-day and provide community for troubleshooting tough spots. My hope is that it will help me grow more confident and at ease in my parenting and that I will grow in grace for myself as well as for my children.
I also hope to work through some of my theological parenting questions. Like how to respond to sin and disobedience in light of God's grace?
Day 1: Intentions
I want our home to feel warm and welcoming, at ease and joyful. I want to find a relaxed daily rhythm where parents and children feel secure that their needs will be met through times of connectedness and times of quiet.
I want my children to feel secure in our love, that they belong and contribute, to feel respected and that there is space for their feelings. I want them to feel at ease and feel that they can talk to us about anything. I want them to feel supported. I want us to all all be cheerleaders for one another and friends.
I want the boys to act lovingly, respectfully, wholeheartedly, aware of and thoughtful of others, because that is what I hope to model to them.
I want our home to be a place where we can all make mistakes and grow. I pray that mistakes and even outright disobedience can be met with humility, compassion and grace rather than guilt and shame.
As the boys grow, I want them to feel mature and capable, secure in their abilities, decision-making, and feelings. I want them to feel equipped to do whatever they are called to do in this world and to know the unique strengths God has gifted them with. I pray that they will grow into respectful, loving, mature men who are close friends with one another.
Day 1: Intentions
I want our home to feel warm and welcoming, at ease and joyful. I want to find a relaxed daily rhythm where parents and children feel secure that their needs will be met through times of connectedness and times of quiet.
I want my children to feel secure in our love, that they belong and contribute, to feel respected and that there is space for their feelings. I want them to feel at ease and feel that they can talk to us about anything. I want them to feel supported. I want us to all all be cheerleaders for one another and friends.
I want the boys to act lovingly, respectfully, wholeheartedly, aware of and thoughtful of others, because that is what I hope to model to them.
I want our home to be a place where we can all make mistakes and grow. I pray that mistakes and even outright disobedience can be met with humility, compassion and grace rather than guilt and shame.
As the boys grow, I want them to feel mature and capable, secure in their abilities, decision-making, and feelings. I want them to feel equipped to do whatever they are called to do in this world and to know the unique strengths God has gifted them with. I pray that they will grow into respectful, loving, mature men who are close friends with one another.
No comments:
Post a Comment