Day 29: Parenting Wisdom from Proverbs

“By mere words a [child] is not disciplined, for though he responds, he will not understand.” (Proverbs 29:19, ESV)

My daughter walked out the door with a happy smile, dressed for her day at the beach with a friend. 

It's hard to let go. I'd love to say no, no, and no. But I'm realizing that mamas who let go end up able to hold on better in the end.

Why could I let her go that day? Because we shoved law down her throat and into her mind each day since birth? No! I could let her go because her own conscience has been awakened and she wants to do good.
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We must guide our kids' hearts more than we demand their good performance. We must talk, share, and go deep. We listen to apologetics so we can share the why's of God and His ways rather than expect a naive mind to overcome a postmodern, humanistic world.

From early on, we ensure that we are focused more on the heart than the behavior. Because out of the heart, the life is lived, and if the heart isn't in touch with God, the life can't be pleasing to God.

She returned happy that night, telling me of her day. Her heart loved her mother and was happy to stay within certain guidelines. She appreciated her freedom and wanted to be able to keep it.

Guide your child straight to the heart of the Father by reaching into their hearts as their mother. Talk to them, early and often, about things that make you search deep for your own answers. Equip them before the world does! 

​-Sara