Parenting Myths
| Myth # 1.
| Parenting is complicated - you’ll need at least a degree in psychology to succeed (or at least you’d better read lots of books). |
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| No one knows your child as well as you do! Reclaim common-sense parenting.
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| Myth # 2.
| It’s actually all very simple. Just love your child and all will be well. |
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| Feeling loved is different from being loved.
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| It all depends on your definition of love. (Hebrews 12:6) -“because the Lord disciplines those he loves.”
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| Myth # 3.
| Parenting is a no-brainer task: anyone can do it. |
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| Wrong! It takes all the brain cells you have and then some….
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| Children require more of everything (patience, creativity, resources, food) than adults. My own preschoolers asked me harder questions than my high school students ever did!
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| Myth # 4.
| It’s not the quantity but the quality of time that counts. |
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| Children do not schedule either their triumphs or their trauma.
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| There are no microwave kids!
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| Myth # 5.
| You’re the parent now, so you should know all the answers. |
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| We all feel like Manoah (Judges 13:8) sometimes - asking, “Where’s the manual?”
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| Learning to be a parent is a life-long process.
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| Myth # 6.
| This feels like forever - even if you do survive, you’ll never be the same again. |
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| A partial truth: You won’t be the same - you’ll be better for the experience!
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| Keep in mind the 18-year overview.
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| Myth # 7.
| You should give up your whole life for your children - if you don’t find fulfillment in that, there’s something wrong with you. |
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| A “martyr parent” is unhealthy - and tends to produce unpleasant children.
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| This is a formative growth period in your life as well as theirs.
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Five Foundational Truths about Parenting
Truth # 1. Parenting is hard work - being tired is expected.
| Truth # 2.
| Parenting demands both head and heart - a bit of both Albert Einstein and Mother Teresa. |
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Truth # 3. Parenting is the ultimate test of your perseverance - hang in there!
Truth # 4. Parenting is impossible solo - you must call on God’s help!
Truth # 5. Parenting yields great joy and rewards - it is worth the work!
REMEMBER: “God’s power has given us everything we need…” (2 Peter 1:3, NIrV).
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Model for parenting -
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Jesus
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| related to each person as a unique individual
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| offered each unconditional, redemptive love
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| cared for the sinner while confronting the sin
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| met each person where he or she was and grew that person into all he or she could be.
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Scripture: “I know the plans I have for you,” announces the Lord. “I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come” (Jeremiah 29:11).
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WHO IS IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOUR CHILD?
Significant Persons in Your Child’s Life
Identify the persons most significant to your child (i.e. grandparents, mom, dad, childcare teacher).
Print the name of each significant person in your child’s life on one of the small circles.
On a large circle, place a picture of your child or print your child’s name. Place the large circle in the middle of an 8 ½ by 11 sheet of paper. Position the smaller circles around the large circle (your child) according to the significance of that person to your child. The closer the person’s significance to your child the closer their circle should be placed to your child’s circles.
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Dreams! Dream! Dreams!
List the dreams you have for your child.
What dreams might the significant persons have for your child?
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Your Child is Unique
List five words that describe your child.
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| ______________________________ |
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Connecting with Your Child
Special ways I connect with my child
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This coming week notice the unique ways you connect with your child and he/she connects with you. Thank God for the uniqueness of your baby and the special connections you have with him or her.
Prepared by Sheri Babb, 4-07
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