Via RSS feed.June 11th, 2010
Girl Time
Our oldest child is only seven, but I’m already concerned about capturing her heart and holding it through the tenuous adolescent years. Oh, this years in which our children need us oh so much, such a treacherous time when life-altering decisions can be made oh, so quickly. I so long that our girls will listen to us as they enter upon such crucial years, the early years of womanhood.
Today I had Kaelynn out all by herself (a rarity, our family normally travels all together), and after our swimming session I took her to McDonalds for a snack/drink/girl time. We didn’t talk about anything all that important, and she spent most of her time people watching, but I want her to feel like she’s important to me, that I want to spend time with her, that I want to talk to her and hear her thoughts.
Experienced parents, chime in here. Have you raised children through adolescence and beyond? Were they open to your input as the major choices in life arose?
We’re praying – every day – Lord, guide our children and direct their steps along Your way as they grow, for your Name’s sake.
That is the greast concern I have as well for my children , both for my sons and girls. I wonder all the time am I doing enough? Am I instilling good Godly values that will stick with them for life? Is there more I can be doing?
I feel these young years are so vital. We need to have a strong close relation ship with them so they can make it through the teens years with them still being close to us and listing.
Mae
Mommy of 5 children, 10yr.s – 4 months.
I just happened uppn your website. To tell you a little about us, we have 11 children ranging in ages of 20-1 yr. and we are expecting blessing # 12 in August.
I commented to tell you that you can have children who will be open to your input when they are adolescence. If you are training your children’s hearts, and not just their outward actions, they will want your input. If you train them that it’s about loving God and following His Word because they love Him, the will be open to your input. If you lead by example and are not hyprocritical in the way you raise them, they will listen to your input.
I am not saying that everything will be perfect and there will not be bumps in the road, but I am saying that your relationship can remain close. We have a great relationship with all four of our adolescence. They are a blessing in our lives and we look forward to when our other children arrive at this stage of their lives.
Of course prayer is the key….pray for wisdom…pray for their hearts.
I hope this has been an encouragement to you.
I have been reading an encouraging book about this. It’s called: Keeping Our Children’s Hearts by Steve and Terri Maxwell at Titus2.com. It has been very encouraging and they also have many other materials for parents on homeschooling, devotions, managing your time, etc. Maybe this will bless someone.