Help for Parents
Parenting Classes – Every Wednesday 7;15pm
Technology is a two-edged sword for parents. Smart phones and tablets bring the information of the world to the finger tips of our children. But we are all very aware of the dark side of the internet. WebMD lists the top Four Dangers of the Internet for children and teens: 1) Cyber-Bullying, 2) Sexual Predators, 3) Pornography, and 4) Damaged Reputations.
If there was ever a generation of parents looking for guidance in this very complicated and complex society this is the one. NYMetroparents.com lists the top current parenting philosophies. These trends reveal how confused and bewildered so many parents are in this “new day” of parenting. As you review the list, see which one is most closely associated with your parenting style:
- Authoritarian Parenting – “Because I Said so!”
- Authoritative Parenting – “Because I Love you!”
- Attachment Parenting – “Because I Need you!”
- Free-range Parenting – “Because I Trust you!”
- Helicopter Parenting – “Because I Don’t Trust you!”
- Permissive Parenting – “Because I Believe in you!’”
God has provided the best parenting book ever written – the Bible. From the Word of God we learn “common-sense parenting” principles that are ageless. God created the family and the Heavenly Father Knows Best the roles and responsibilities of each family member. Of the most common parenting philosophies trending today, the “authoritative” style is the one most closely associated with what we find in the Scriptures. Sadly, too many parents desire to be their child’s best friend during a time they simply need a loving dad and mom not a BFF.
There are basically four different stages of parenting depending on the age and maturity of the child. 1) Disciplinarian Stage, 2) Trainer Stage, 3) Coaching Stage, and 4) Friendship Stage. These different stages build upon one another. If you skip the first or second stage, then you are creating problems for the third and fourth stages. Add to that the challenge that God has created our children with their very own unique personality. What delights and motivates one child may have no impact on their brother or sister. For the Christian, we discover that God “gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). When a mom and dad look to the Lord for marriage and parenting help, God will give it. Yet, His help is contingent upon our belief and obedience to what He has given us in His Word.
Come join us for our “Help for Parents” classes every Wednesday night at 7:15pm for one hour – meeting in the Chapel.
Author: Scott Wendal
Scott Wendal is the founding and lead Pastor of Valley Forge Baptist in Collegeville, PA. He attained his Bachelor of Arts degree at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, in 1981. After completing a three-year internship in Fairfax, Virginia, Pastor Wendal came to the Valley Forge area in July 1984 to begin Valley Forge Baptist. Pastor Wendal and his wife, Jodie, have five children.
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