> Practical Family Living

How do you define success as a parent? Is it a child who reads before kindergarten? A teenager who got into an Ivy League or Division I college? A kid who texts and calls you a lot? It's easy to fall into a parenting "default", which is likely a combination of what our parents did and what we swore we'd never do that they did. Instead, start by asking yourself- what is the purpose of parenting? Children need parents who will use childhood as a training period. This training should include comprehensive information on how to care for oneself and others physically, psychologically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. We're talking skills from doing laundry to how to have a relationship with the Creator. It's a tall order! But we have 18 or so years to do it and a God who is THE model parent. Lean on Him and reach out when you need help. There are many fantastic resources available to parents today including books, radio programs, ministries, and family therapists. Keep up the good work!