“I am beginning to wonder if I am doing the right thing.”
“There must be something different that works better.”
These are three different friends musing about their parenting.
What isn’t working? Is it doing what you are convinced of by God
or some new parenting idea you are trying? There is a big
difference.
Parenting ideas come and go; God’s word remains the same. If we base our parenting on truths from God’s word, we walk by faith not by sight. We trust God and His wisdom, despite the day to day. If we are just trying out some new idea, then we look for results and when they don’t show up quick enough we want to try something else.
Most parenting “tricks” promise quick results. The reality is
parenting is not meant to be a quick fix, it is a lifetime investment.
When God has shown you a truth or action to take in His word and
it doesn’t seem to be working there are a couple of possibilities why. First, you may be looking for too much too soon. God may very well be working in ways you cannot yet see. Do you think that Joseph might have thought “this is not working” when he was locked up in prison for doing what was right? Was God working in ways he could not see? Yes and Yes.
Another reason it may not appear that God’s way is working is
that you are not being consistent. Especially if you are starting to question if there might be something better, then I can almost guarantee that you are not being consistent. Children respond well to clearly laid out expectations and follow through, not knowing what is expected or what reaction will surface from hour to hour is frustrating for everyone.
If it seems like how you are parenting isn’t working, first you
must discern if your parenting is based on God’s Word or a popular trend.
Recognizing the source will help you decide what action to take.
Once God has shown you what He wants in area, do not doubt, trust Him! James 1: 5-6 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”