Parenting Thoughts

A couple of days ago, I was talking to my 24-year old daughter who has been married for about 6 months.  She teaches 2nd grade and has a crazy class -  a lot of kids who are out of control.  She told me she was afraid to have kids because they may turn out crazy.  She said, "I want my kids to turn out like me, Mallory and Cameron (my other two kids)."  I about dropped the phone on that one.  This coming from a girl who told me I didn't have a clue about life a couple of years ago.  But now she sees how important parenting is and she realizes she isn't ready for it. 

It makes me laugh when I see couples teaching parenting classes who are still trying to learn parenting skills.  Every church should make a rule - no one can teach parenting until we see how their kids turn out.  Dedo and I finally taught a "parenting teenagers" class last year.  I wanted to make sure that none of our kids were serving time in prison.  I feel like I have some credibility now.

You're never sure how your kids are going to turn out.  I recommend you don't make any promises when your kid is 6 months old.  I have met kids from the stongest Christian homes who have turned their back on their family and God. Ultimately, they make the decisions that impact their lives - you don't.  So give yourselves a massive break and parent the best you can. 

We aren't perfect and our kids aren't perfect.  I told Whitney that the key to parenting was to keep children grounded in church and disiplined when necessary.  All the other parenting stuff isn't that important.  You do those two things and you have a good chance at turning out some great kids.

We got lucky.  All three of our kids are wonderful adults who are contributing to their communities and churches.  Our daughters married solid guys and Cameron dates a great girl.  I thank God that He gave Dedo and I the patience and love to survive parenting. 

Now, bring on the grandchildren!