Most couples expect the skills for raising children to come to them naturally. Certain parenting instincts “kick into gear” when you become a mom or a dad, of course, but most of us are surprised by how challenging parenting can be and how much hard work and energy it requires.
It’s human nature to look for short-cuts or “formulas” to make the job easier. But there are no formulas.
God puts every parent on a journey to discover who their children are and what their children most need to become who they were designed to be. Every child and every journey is unique. In the process, parents discover a lot about their strengths, their weaknesses, and how to depend on the Lord every day.
Dr. Miles Mettler, author of the book 52 Parenting Principles: How to Bring Out the Best in Your Kids, began his parenting journey with an outward focus – focusing on what his children needed to change – until he changed course and began identifying how he needed to change and what he needed to do differently.
Dr. Mettler is joining us on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Simple Tips for Growing Closer to Your Kids” to help you cultivate good behavior from your children while developing a deeper relationship with them.
He shares how to:
- Own the problem – with humility. Before expecting change in your children, first be open to change within yourself.
- Avoid blaming your children for issues within the parent/child relationship. Blame puts the focus on past mistakes instead of future outcomes.
- Self-evaluation and feedback. Ask yourself reflective questions like: “How can I show up for my children?” or “How can I respond to my children better?” You can also invite your children to share how they feel you can improve your parenting.
- Don’t let anyone off the hook. Your children are responsible for their behavior, and you are responsible for yours.
Dr. Mettler has tremendous insights that will challenge your perspective on parenting and help you think more intentionally about how you raise your children. Listen to our conversation on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.
I’d like to offer you Dr. Mettler’s book 52 Parenting Principles: How to Bring Out the Best in Your Kids for a gift of any amount. Click here for more information or give us a call at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459). If you can’t afford it, we’ll find a way to get it to you.
