First I talked with several gardening friends to learn the basics: when to plant, what to plant, how to care for plants, how often to water..the basics. So I started my garden.
Suddenly, my ears were tuned into any conversation that had the word garden in it. “Do you garden?” I would ask. Then I would hit them with my newest garden struggle. Much wisdom was gleaned this way.
Another step I would take was when I met someone that connected with my gardening desires and direction; I would invite myself over to observe their garden. As we would stroll through their garden efforts, they would casually explain their how-tos and whys for what they did.
Sometimes I would hear a tidbit that sounded interesting and I would Google it to learn more. A little research would often clarify if that was a direction I wanted to head.
This would be a great parenting outline to follow too. First, talk with others, mostly those who are further along in their journey, so we can draw from experience not just theory.
Listen and observe. When wisdom is being shared-- grab it.
Find parents that are better than you and try to get into their home. If they allow it, ask lots of questions. Sometimes we don’t know what to ask until we see something and wonder why they did that. Seeing is believing; at times it can be difficult to understand a book when we have never seen that example in action.
And lastly, read and use the resources available to find answers. Just be careful..all parenting is NOT equal. Much out there will conflict with God’s unchanging Truth and will confuse. Try to find out what the author is basing their philosophy on and only God’s word is acceptable. If a blogger or author has a recommended reading list, this can usually give a pretty good taste of what they are about.