Parenting is one of life’s biggest rewards.  It’s full of fun and joy, … do you agree it can be hard too! 

My daughters are now 25, 23, 21, 21.  Picturing my parenting road map, I see that it’s been full of winding paths, quick turns, getting struck, getting lost, asking for directions, dead ends, turning around, running out of gas and break downs  … but reaching our destination today, it’s been the most beautiful and rewarding adventure ever traveled. 

I want to share 5 key areas that I’ve learnt in my travels.   Five things that always worked and I’d like to share with you today.   I will briefly summarize below. 

1.  LOVE, love without conditions, love them through their struggles, love them when they have made mistakes.  Be their soft place to land.

2. LISTEN, listen without responding, judging and fixing.  You’ll be surprised but the truth is often they know what to do.  You’ll have many opportunities to share your wisdom, remember to listen. 

3. LEARN, each child is unique.  Spend time really getting to know them.  Celebrate their gifts even if they are not things your familiar with … keep an open mind. 

4. LAUGH, it’s ok to have fun.  Laughter is medicine.  Take your guard down.  Enjoy the moment.  Be present with your children.  No distractions! 

5. LIVE it, model what you want to see in your children.  Set boundaries, stay consistent with how you want to be treated.  Respect is earned,  Trust is gained, Loyalty is returned.  They are watching!

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to share these principles and help you apply in your relationship with your children ?

Proverbs 22:6.   “Train up a child in the way they should go: and when they are old, they will not depart from it.”