Parenting Tips - From Voices of Experience

Last night I had the opportunity to visit with several of the women from our church in an inter-generational discussion about parenting.  As a woman with small children myself - I was ALL ears to hear what these women, who were at all different stages of the parenting journey, would say in answers to these questions:

1. What was one of your biggest challenges or regrets in your parenting journey?
2. What would you do differently? Or exactly the same?

Their responses were genuine, from-the-heart, and 100% from the voice of experience.  I am so thankful they were willing to share their personal experiences with me and each other.  What a huge blessing to have such a wealth of knowledge, love, and experience to draw from.  Here's a brief summary of what they shared as the most important lessons they've learned through the years:

• Put your husband and your marriage first.

• You are in charge.  It's okay to say "I told you so."

• Treat children as individuals and avoid comparing them to each other.

• Let them know that if they make mistakes, no matter how big, they can always come home.

• Know their friends.  And their friends' parents.  Be involved at school.  Be the carpool driver.  Hear the gossip.

• Remember how you felt at their age.

• Accept that they will be who they will be.  You can't change their personalities.

• Put the word of God in their hearts.  Talk about God. Recite bible verses, have family devotionals, pray with them.

• Be present.  When you're with them, BE WITH THEM (not working on your mental to-do lists).

• Learn their love language - and communicate with it.

• Make them open to people of all cultures, races, and disabilities.

• Have patience and be persistent.

I'll do my best.  I might need a few reminders along the way though.