Your Cosentino Quick Fix: The QUESTION every parent is ALWAYS asking themselves!

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

The QUESTION every parent is ALWAYS asking themselves!

Every person on the planet has insecurities of some type. Those who don't seem to be insecure, simply mask it better than others. The job of a parent is so daunting, challenging, and arduous that at one time or another even the most secure parent has asked themselves this question: Am I doing a good job as a parent?

Parenting is a trust from God that He has given to many. The only thing on earth that we as humans will leave behind with a soul when we die is our children! Because we as humans inherently understand this responsibility we naturally want to do our best as parents, yet we often feel and wonder if we have done a good job.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit on a park bench with my 18 month daughter. I was able to ponder and dream of what the future might look like for her and what my role would be in helping to shape her future.

In talking with parents, all of them struggle with the question, am I doing a good job with my child.

Here are some things to remember and do that might just help YOU!

1. Don't try to be perfect. Point your child to the ONE who is perfect!
If you pretend like you have EVERYTHING together your children will come to think of you as a hypocrite. Be real and honest with your children. In fact, they don't expect you to have all of the answers. They do want you to be transparent. Admit it and apologize to them when you've blown it. You'll teach them what it means to take responsibility for their actions and how to forgive. Never forget, to point them towards Jesus as He, not you, is the ultimate example your children should try and emulate.

2. Don't be so hard on yourself!
Many parents take every negative action their child does as failure on their part in raising their child. Just think: God had two children (Adam & Eve) and they disobeyed the perfect parent! Was God a failure to his children? I think not. Our children need to learn from their mistakes and it's good to let them fail at times too. One of the true marks of maturity is failing multiple times yet persevering until you succeed.

3. Thank your parents!
Your parents desperately want to hear from you how much you appreciated their hard work, effort, and desires to pass on timeless principles and good morals to you. Send them a text, write a note, or call them letting them know that you appreciate how they did their best to raise you!

4. Only you know if you are truly doing your best!
There is something gratifying about working hard and having your head hit the pillow at the end of the day with satisfaction. There may be turmoil and chaos with your children, but only you know how hard you worked for their behalf. Simply do your BEST and leave the REST to God. It's easier that way, and far more effective!