A Prayer for Wisdom in Parenting
By: Emily Rose Massey
Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it” - Proverbs 22:6, NASB.
I have been studying parenting styles recently. In my understanding, raising kids with an intentional lack of guidance (a “do whatever makes you happy” kind of mentality) causes more harm to them in the end. Children need guidance from their parents; they are young and do not yet fully understand the world around them. “Free-range” style parenting is quite harmful to the psyche of a child. They are children, not chickens.
Parents, we should not be afraid to lovingly, yet firmly, set boundaries and tell our kids no and why, especially if you know it may become harmful or damaging to them now and even later in life. Small habits become behaviors, and behaviors become lifestyles.
They may be frustrated at you for a time, but honestly, it is the most loving thing a parent can do. I truly believe your children will thank you for it when they get older. We are raising the next generation. What do we want our world to look like as our children grow up?
It is our job as parents to teach and guide our children and protect them the best we can. I know for me, as a mom, I most definitely cannot do this without God’s grace and wisdom. Learning from what He has to say about parenting has been so much better than all the world’s advice could offer me. The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom and a familiar verse from chapter 22 gives us direction as parents:
Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Early training secures lifelong habits. Parents must be diligent to guide their children, teaching them God’s Word and enforcing it with loving discipline, raising their children in the admonition of the Lord. The world is ready and willing to disciple your children, especially when they are young and impressionable.
It is best that they are discipled by you as the parent instead. It is loving to give your children boundaries and rules to follow, which will help shape their independence so they can make good decisions while they are still young. You are not alone in your parenting journey. There will be hard days and simple, strife-free days. May the Lord give you wisdom so you can steward the lives He has entrusted to your care!
Heavenly Father,
I know that You do not want children to raise themselves. You have given children their parents to train them in good, godly habits that will help shape them as adults. Most importantly, help me teach them more about You and glorious gospel. My hope is that they will long to love You and live for You all the days of their lives, spreading Your truth and love to the world and raising up the next godly generation. I lean on Your grace and ask for Your wisdom every single day. Thank You for guiding me and caring for me as Your child.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Emily Massey began writing short stories and poetry as a little girl, entered the blogging world in her early 20s, and published her first book in 2015. She enjoys being a stay-at-home momma while still being able to pursue her passion as a writer. Believing she has been forgiven much, she loves much, and desires to point others to Christ and His redemptive and transforming power, especially by sharing truth found in God’s written word. If you would like to connect with Emily, you can visit www.emilyrosemassey.com
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Originally published Friday, 18 March 2022.
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