Comments on: Parents – Help Me Out Here

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:21:18 +0000

The terrible 2’s start at 18 mos. and go till about Kindergarten. I have learned that it is my job to be a mediator between my children and Christ when they are young. To bring lead them to the foot of the cross when they sin. To love them in spite of it. To remind them and myself that I am not perfect. I am going to mess up, and that is what Jesus is for. He fills in everywhere I fall short, and that is a big space to fill! To discipline in love not anger.

By: Aunt Linda

Aunt Linda — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:06:58 +0000

Yes, Bobby, it was an interesting topic. You pulled us all in. I enjoyed this post and hearing what everyone had to say. Hope your sermon went well! Would love to know what you talked about.

By: bobby

bobby — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 23:34:28 +0000

You all rock. Great stuff. Thanks for sharing. Anyone else?
Even if it’s past Sunday, it’s a pretty interesting topic, eh?

By: angelina

angelina — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:30:37 +0000

Well, I’m not a parent, but I work with a lot of parents! This might not be the angle you’re wanting to take, so do with it what you will, but, I know that this simple truth is something that has been super freeing for me as a christian education practitioner and as a future parent. (is that enough build-up for you?!) So here it is… as a parent, it’s not your job to create spiritual growth in your child. It’s your job to create space and environments where that can happen, and to be the primary nurturer of your child’s faith, but, ultimately it is the job of the Holy Spirit to create that growth. Also, there are a lot of really bad, messy things in the world and it’s about teaching your kids to fall in love with Jesus first, and all those things of the world will fade in light of Christ.

By: Keith

Keith — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:35:34 +0000

I wish someone had told me that every once in a while I wasn’t going to like my kid very much. And that’s okay.

By: Traci

Traci — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:21:05 +0000

I wish someone would have told us how hard it can be for your relationship. Travis and I were lucky we had been married for a while so it wasn’t to tough for us. The hardest part is making sure you are both on the same page and ready to back each other up when the kids tag team against you. You both usually have the same goal at heart, but when you both have been raised differently you bring different ideas to the table which one or the other might not agree with. It is hard sometimes to come to a joint decision but as long as the kids don’t see you sweat, you are usually okay. I would also say that it is really hard to find time for each other. I think Travis and I have maybe gone out just the two of us, maybe two or three times in one year. We have never hired a sitter and I don’t think we will for a while. We are lucky because we are okay with just being home and hanging out with the kids. We would rather order pizza and curl up on the couch with a movie and the kids, then go out. I have to say when we do get to break away I tend to feel a little guilty for leaving the kids. But it is nice to just spend that much needed quality time together. After you have two kids your time alone gets few and further between.

By: Phil

Phil — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:43:18 +0000

As a new father of a 2-month-old… I wish someone had explained to me the enormity of the frustration I would feel when he just Would. Not. Stop. Crying. Or would not go to sleep. Or needed to eat every 2 hours but took an hour to fall asleep so my wife never ever ever got to go to bed.
For us, the first 5 weeks were hell. Almost made us question whether we made the right decision having a baby. Now – there’s no question, it’s awesome and he’s great. =)

By: Glenda

Glenda — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:03:15 +0000

It would have been great to know that the hardest years of disciplining a child is the first 5 years. They are so darling and cute those first 5 years, but as you know they test you to see who’s boss, how much you love them, how much they can get away with! Some of the best and hardest years. By the way thanks for giving me the greatest grandson ever! What a blessing!
Wish I could hear your message on Sunday!

By: kimmie herbert

kimmie herbert — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:02:58 +0000

How difficult it is. Just recently I have seen my sins, some of my deepest inadequacies displayed, no magnified in Caleb’s behavior. It is so discouraging, he is only 2 years old, how much more damage am I going to do in the years to come?!

By: Jeni

Jeni — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:32:44 +0000

Ah Bobby you still care! ha ha! Hope you and the wife are doing well!