What’s your top parenting problem?
Parenting can seem like an uphill lonely battle some days, but your struggle is not unique. I know in the moment, you may feel like your child is the only one to ________ (fill in the blank). But you probably only have to walk a block in your neighborhood to find a parent who’s struggling with the exact same thing.
You are not alone. You are not without help. There are answers to be found!
Here are some common problems I hear from parents:
- I clash regularly with my kids on listening and talking respectfully to me
- Screen time!
- My kids don’t pick up after themselves
- Meal time is a battle
- Getting chores done
- Sibling rivalry is out of control
- Procrastination with homework
- Getting out of the house on time
Do these sound familiar to you? Yup, me too!
That’s why I wrote my book Parents Rising: 8 Strategies for Raising Kids Who Love God, Respect Authority, and Value What’s Right. I interviewed parents with adult children and asked them for godly wisdom and advice. The book provides solutions for your everyday parenting needs.
Dealing constructively with your top parenting problems begins with two things: attitude and tools.
You must first have the attitude of a leader. You must believe your children will listen to you. You must insist that the rules of the home are made by you, not your children.
If you find yourself thinking, “But you don’t know my situation” or “My children will never…” – this means you don’t have the right attitude yet. You must start here. You will not be able to get results until you have the stubbornness which says “Enough is enough! I am the adult here!”
Next, you must have the proper tools. You can eventually cut down a tree with a very sharp knife but a chainsaw does a much better job!
You need the right parenting tools. That’s why reading books and asking for help in the right places is so important. Seek wisdom from your grandparents, parents, and older people you respect. Read the Word of God and see what it says about parenting. Read books like Parents Rising for new ideas and encouragement.
Your parenting problems have solutions. You must believe these solutions exist and then seek out the tools you need to get the job done. Your years with your kids are too short to endure daily fighting and discord.
Children need leaders, not tall friends. It’s time to be the parent. With God’s help, you can do this!