Worry-Free Parenting

We live in dangerous times.

If you leave your home and come back safely on a daily basis, you need to thank God for His mercies.

We can’t be everywhere at the same time. I am sure most mothers would wish they could be with their kids to monitor them every step of the way. But, we know that is not possible; even if you wanted to, your child’s school is more likely to politely ask you to go home.

We can’t keep our kids wrapped in a bubble forever, and we can’t prevent their interaction with others either. In order for us to raise children who are confident and strong, we must allow them to be exposed to life – the good and the painful alike. We realize it’s important to be safety conscious, but we shouldn’t overdo it.

Whenever our kids see our fears in our parenting, it doesn’t help them to achieve their full potential. Kids need to be allowed to experience life on their own level. A Scared Mom will raise Scared Kids, and a Brave Mom will raise Brave Kids. Don’t project your fear on to your children.

How do we overcome this worry, and allow our kids to be themselves?

• Surrender your kids to God. When we give our kids over to god, we choose to trust in His love and care for us and ours. This means that we let Him take care of them for us. We acknowledge that He is able to keep whatever we have committed into His hands, and we trust that he loves us enough to want the best for us and our kids. Can you trust God enough to let go of your kids, and trust them into his care?

“For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that Day.” – 2 Timothy 1:12

• Gradually allow your children to take more responsibilities, and to go to places without you – of course under the supervision of another capable adult. That way, they begin to learn to thrive and to be themselves, whether you are there or not. Let them run errands for you to places where you are sure they will be safe. For instance, I let my kids [aged 7 and 5] go visit my neighbors who are about two houses away, and I stand at my gate and watch them go. I am providing them with some level of confidence in their abilities, and at the same time within a safe environment. As you give your child more freedom, you are better able to judge their abilities, and the level of responsibilities they can handle. It is only a responsible child that can truly grow to be successful.

• Provide a more enduring and lasting cover for your kids – the cover of prayer. When we pray over our kids, we are wielding our greatest weapon against the onslaught of the enemy, and we are asking God to shield them with His hand of protection. Prayer is able to go where we cannot, and do what our limited abilities cannot handle. As parents, we need to pray God’s word over our kids on a regular basis. We can pray for their peace, protection, success, promotion, and so much more – in fact there’s nothing we cannot pray to God about when it comes to our kids. And we can also pray anytime, they don’t need to be physically present with us, there’s no limitation with prayers. And when your kids see how you pray about all that concerns them, you are also reinforcing their ability to trust in God and to also live worry free lives.

“You’ll never be a perfect parent, but you can be a praying parent. Prayer is your highest privilege as a parent. …Prayer turns ordinary parents into prophets who shape the destinies of their children, grandchildren, and every generation that follows. …Your prayers for your children are the greatest legacy you can leave.” – Praying Circles Around Your Children

All the best as you choose to live ‘Worry-Free’.

Oluseye Ashiru