In Parenting Perspective is Key

by Andrew Cromwell

Not too long ago one of our boys took the opportunity to relieve himself in the grass in front of the church after service one Sunday morning. Fortunately he was no older then three. Unfortunately it was his mom that was with him and not his yours truly. Dads understand such things. It is even possible that this particular dad would have congratulated him at exhibiting great wisdom at choosing the grass over the concrete. Come to think of it, maybe it was better he was with his mom and not me, it seems he actually learns something useful when he is with her.

As parents, we are faced with dozens of such issues every day—things our kids do that they shouldn't, things our kids don't do that they should, and everything in between. It is overwhelming. We are tasked with what often seems impossible. We are called to navigate the difficult waters of daily life while at the same time training these little terrorists that have taken our lives hostage into whole, healthy and vital adults.

If we are not careful we can easily loose perspective. I know I do. I am so focused on my kids—what they are doing and what they aren't—that I loose my ability to differentiate between the big stuff and the little stuff. I know what they say, "don't sweat the small stuff." But I find myself reacting to everything that my kids do as if it were all "big stuff".

We have to remind ourselves that parenting is a long process. Raising a child takes years and today's battle is only one of many in the long campaign we are waging to see our kids be victorious as fully functioning adults. It is not that today's issues are unimportant—because more than likely they are—but we must remember that some things are more important than others.

In our house, we are trying to remember that the way that we treat other people is on the "things of major importance" list. It is crucial for our kids to learn how to relate to other people and to treat them with respect. How we talk to others—our parents, our siblings, other adults and other kids—is key. Too many people walk around thinking the world revolves around them because their parents were not able to instill this principle into them.

But relieving oneself on the front lawn....we'll that's just funny.

The pastors in Kings County would love to encourage and support you as parents. It is so wonderful to have a community of people who are also seeking to raise families that love God and love others. Don't go through life thinking you're alone!