Some Practical Advice for Parents
1. Your children will watch what you do far more than they will listen to what you say. Live what you want them to learn.
2. Don’t take everything so personally. Sometimes their behavior is about what they’re going through—not about you.
3. Children will remember how you made them feel long after they’ve forgotten what you bought them.
4. Things will eventually wear out, break, or be forgotten. Memories last. Make as many as you can.
5. Do as much as you can, when you can, while you can. One day, you’ll realize just how quickly the years passed.
6. Show affection. Speak encouragement. Impart wisdom. Tell them you love them—and make sure your actions say it too.
7. Give them your presence, not just your presents.
8. Apologize when you’re wrong. Let them see that strength isn’t found in always being right, but in being willing to make things right.
9. Celebrate who they are, not just what they accomplish.
10. Teach them that home should always be a place where they are loved, valued, heard, and welcomed.
And most importantly…
Pray over them.
Pray with them.
Let them hear you pray for them.
And give them opportunities to pray.
You won’t be a perfect parent—and they don’t need you to be. Be present. Be consistent. Be loving. Be intentional.