5 Things Awesome Parents Do
If you are reading this, it is safe to say you have a desire to be an awesome parent. We all want the best for our kids. We just don’t always know how to deliver. We can read books or articles, consult with experts or peers, but it really comes down to figuring it out each day. We are going to make mistakes, but we just continue to do our best and strive to be “awesome.” As I was thinking about this topic, a few words came to mind. These are things that I believe “awesome” parents do on a regular basis.
Play…with their children. When I get home from work, I’m usually tired. But, I know it’s important to get down on the floor with my kids and build with legos, read books, or go outside and play. Psychology Today says that, “Parent-child pretend and physical play is linked with the child’s competence, gross motor skills, peer group leadership, and cognitive development.”
Pray…daily for their family. We know that, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16b) and that the Bible has much to say about the importance of prayer. Is there a more impactful way to spend our time than committing the needs of the family to the One who created it?
Stay…committed to a healthy marriage. There are vast amounts of research concerning marriage, the state of the family and its effects on our children. There’s not room to go into that here. The bottom line is this: the best scenario for our children is to grow up in a loving home with two committed parents who love the Lord and love each other. Husband and wife need to make marriage a priority to ensure its long-term stability … for the sake of each other and for the children.
Say…the right words. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21). Are we speaking life into our children, or are we tearing them down? You may have heard that actions speak louder, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of words. They matter. Our children need to know (and hear) they are loved and special in God’s sight and ours.
Allay…fears. Parents have the special ability to comfort their children. Whether it’s a bad dream, a thunderstorm or something more serious, our children need to know that we’ll always be there for them. It provides a picture of God, who “will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection” (Psalm 91:4).
Parents, we have a special role, and a special opportunity: an opportunity to be “awesome” if we make these things a priority.
Play…with their children. When I get home from work, I’m usually tired. But, I know it’s important to get down on the floor with my kids and build with legos, read books, or go outside and play. Psychology Today says that, “Parent-child pretend and physical play is linked with the child’s competence, gross motor skills, peer group leadership, and cognitive development.”
Pray…daily for their family. We know that, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16b) and that the Bible has much to say about the importance of prayer. Is there a more impactful way to spend our time than committing the needs of the family to the One who created it?
Stay…committed to a healthy marriage. There are vast amounts of research concerning marriage, the state of the family and its effects on our children. There’s not room to go into that here. The bottom line is this: the best scenario for our children is to grow up in a loving home with two committed parents who love the Lord and love each other. Husband and wife need to make marriage a priority to ensure its long-term stability … for the sake of each other and for the children.
Say…the right words. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21). Are we speaking life into our children, or are we tearing them down? You may have heard that actions speak louder, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of words. They matter. Our children need to know (and hear) they are loved and special in God’s sight and ours.
Allay…fears. Parents have the special ability to comfort their children. Whether it’s a bad dream, a thunderstorm or something more serious, our children need to know that we’ll always be there for them. It provides a picture of God, who “will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection” (Psalm 91:4).
Parents, we have a special role, and a special opportunity: an opportunity to be “awesome” if we make these things a priority.
