Stages Of Life

As much as we wish it did, parenthood does not come with a rule book! If you are a parent, God made you equipped for it, so trust that you are doing right by your children. After listening to a sermon from my pastor, I decided to share what I learned. I realized that our parenthood is based on the stage that our children is in. Of course they change as they continue to grow and learn new things. As they change, we need to change! What worked when they were little, will not fly as they get older. 

                                                       

Ages 0-5 - (The Discipline Years.) During this age, we should be teaching our children obedience. All direction should be straight forward and to the point. I’m not going to lie, this is something I struggled with and still do at times. Being the nice guy all the time, going back on my word or trying to explain why the answer is no. We need to be straightforward because this is the beginning of their lives. They are beginning to understand what the word no means and what happens if they do not listen. There should be consequences...however that might look for your household. 

Ages 5-12 - (The Training Years.) Nooooow we can start explaining. Not everything has to be “because I said so.” Now I will say, use your own judgment. A kid should stay in a kid’s place so if it’s something they just don’t need to know, cool...keep it moving. But, they need to understand why certain things are wrong and understand what could happen if they moved forward with that certain action. Explain to them about life, why things are the way they are and what things mean. This stage, they are curious about what is going on around them, what they see and what they hear. Their life lessons should start in the home. 

Ages 12-18 - (Coaching Years.) Coaching our children instead of correcting them allows natural consequences to happen. Sometimes, we will tell them to do something and they will not listen. It’s up to us to help direct our children in the right path, but it’s up to them to take it. Once they realize that their way didn’t work, they will correct themselves. It is also important to allow our children to make their own mistakes and watch them work through it. They will get it!

Ages 18+ - (Friendship Years.) Now we can be friends. I’m sure there is something we can bond with our children throughout each stage of their life. I mean Mason is 4yrs old and he cracks me up! Lol But now your child is an adult. They understand the world better and can even teach you a few things. These are the years that our children will call us just to talk. It’s a full circle. Everything we have been teaching them and preparing them for is coming all together. Now that me and my siblings are 25 and over, we have a great relationship with our parents. They do continue to help us through issues but we can bond over things we are now doing for our own personal families. 

Reminders:

*Trust the Holy Spirit to partner you with someone good

*If you are a parent, God made you equipped for it

*Embrace being a Parent

*Form a Strong Family Culture 

*Adjust your parenting according to your child’s life stages 

*Give them Mercy/Grace when they make a mistake 

COURAGEOUS PARENTING: Knowing how to adjust, how to apologize when wrong, how to stick to your gut, and teaching your child to have great morals.