The more I hang out with these kids the more I learn on how to be a good parent. I am very open with these kids asking them questions that I hope to note and carry for mine and Peters when they are teens.
I know some kids just say bad stuff about their parents for attention. But I’m talking about the kids who stay out of trouble but still have broken hearts. You never see it on their faces. It’s when I get the rare opportunity to hear their heart because I am that person who won’t judge them and will just sit and listen.
All they want is for someone to listen.
Sometimes my heart breaks and I hope to never hear the same words from my own.
Peter and I have talked about being open with our kids from the start. Discussing why they might want to dye there hair blue could be a topic that some parents won’t even want at the table. But for us that topic seems so minor. We want the heavy and real topics that could ache our hearts if our kids for some reason does not want to follow the Lord and ask them why. We want the real relationship where we can openly pray with them.
I don’t want my kids to hide their tears from me. I want more attention then their journal gets. If I have to find out our my kid has thoughts of suicide in a journal, then Peter and I have failed as parents.
I am learning that even if our kids are raised in a Christian home they still make their own choices. We cannot control them. We can only manage and pray. At the end of the day they are accountable to God and lifes consequences.
As we seek God pray for us when it will be our turn to become parents.
Hylaandpeterechols.com 
Too true. I love that we get to play a small role in the youths’ lives as they grow up.
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Listening. It’s an art which all of us can continue to grow in.
I’m listening to the hearts of adult young woman right now – those who long to be married, but haven’t yet found that special someone God wants for them.
I applaud you for considering your future kids, as you listen to these teens – for learning from the youth which are pouring out their hearts and feelings.
And yes. It’s so very, very, true. We can raise our children with Christ in their lives, but each individual chooses for themselves. To this point, God has blessed Robert and me – our grown kids are remaining true to Christ, and serving God. I have to say, that this is the greatest blessing for us, as parents of grown-ups.
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Thank you. Your girls struggle with singleness? If you check my romance catagory I have specific posts for them!
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That really is a blessing to see your kids loving the Lord.
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As a parent of teens and a youth leader at church there is a strong desire to teach. But most often the most important things to do are to listen and to model.
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Yes! We often forget that everyone is learning in ministry not just leaders.
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Listening is just vital…what you say about minor issues is very true. We mustn’t, as parents, make the minor the major. If our kids can’t talk to us about the small stuff, they will never talk to us about the big stuff.
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yes Amen! let the little things fly and work through the big stuff.
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This is my greatest fear… And I will make sure every day to keep communication open in a loving and gracious way with my own kids. It IS so important they feel safe and secure sharing EVERYTHING with us!!
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that’s what o of parents do! keep on keeping on!
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Very good reminder to just listen, keep learning, and be willing to talk about the hard stuff. Thanks for sharing!
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Such an important thing to be in prayer over! So many kids who just need someone to listen and invest in them.
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Yes, I have learned over the years that being honest and upfront with children is the best policy. They are just little adults. They can sense when you arent being genuine and honest.
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I understand completely. When you work with young children or youth, you find out lots of perspective you would have never had otherwise. Keep your eyes on the Lord and let Him lead you. Your children may disappoint at times but I believe they will come around in the end! I’ve seen it firsthand. We gotta trust the Lord with all our hearts. 😉
the How-to Guru
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You just wrote out all my fears in one post. I’m still young but I’m really scared of what might be. But like you said, i just have to do my part, they’ll still be God’s anyways
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Thank you so much for these words. i realy needed that afther having a hard time for the last two months. God bless you.
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