I hope you are having a good week so far and that you and your family are benefitting from our parent ministry. I also hope you have found the time in your busy life as the parent of a preschooler to watch this week’s online parenting class.
If you have—great! If not, we invite you to do so. Afterwards I would be happy to discuss any questions or comments you have about the video.
It should also encourage you to remember these words from the Bible that remind us of the joys that come from being a parent:
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. ~Proverbs 29:17
Parenting isn’ t easy, but it is entirely worth the effort—especially when you know you have the wisdom, wit, and support of parents who have already taken the journey of life with a preschooler…and survived.
We all need these people in our lives, but sometimes we are too busy or overwhelmed to a) realize it or b) seek them out. That’ s why I want to offer you the following suggestions.
1.Join a men’s or ladies ministry group in the church. Not only will it give you a much-deserved break away from the kids, but you will be able to connect and form friendships with women of all ages who are your sisters in Christ. These women can and will help you.
2.Observe the moms in your church whose children are older. Take a special note of the ones whose children you feel have been parented in a loving, Godly manner. Ask these moms to pray for you. Ask them how they handled tough situations. Ask them how they made parenting fun.
3.Seek out the advice and comfort of one or two of the older women in your church—the “ Grandma type” . Ask them to pray for you and to mentor you.
4.Pair up your preschooler with a ‘substitute’ grandparent from your church if your parents and in-laws live far away or are not a positive influence in your child’s life.
5.Let your preschooler spend time with a trusted teenager a couple of times a month. 6.Make time for yourself—even if it’ s three or four hours a week.
7.Go on dates with your spouse.
8.Pray for and with your children.
9.Enjoy your preschooler because it really will be over with before you know it. Remember, I’m here to help and pray for you. Let me know what you need.