“Parenting is the hardest job in the world… and you don’t even know if you’re doing a good job until your kids are adults!”
I don’t know about you, but that phrase really resonates with me! I have had many jobs throughout my life but parenting definitely takes the cake as the hardest, but I must add, the most rewarding job. In fact, parenting is a calling and God chose YOU to be the imperfect parent to your children.
I really appreciate this article from the Gottman Institute which shares some practical tips that you can incorporate today with your precious children.
My favorite part of this article is the section about repairing negative interactions. Great parenting does not require perfection (thank goodness!).
However, it does require that you repair it when you mess up.
We all have bad days, or react in a way that doesn’t honor God. We are human. However, the repair is key. One thing we practice in our house is apologizing when someone is hurt.
Especially when my husband or I mess up… we look them in their little eyes and tell them we are so sorry, remind them that we aren’t perfect, and that is why we need Jesus. Then we ask if they would forgive us. A big hug really seals that restoration process.
When you humbly ask your children for forgiveness, it sets an example for them in their future relationships.