"Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Colossians 3:21

Equipping Positive Parents

Parenting is not easy. How one learns to be a parent is an interesting question to ponder. Certainly, one learns through their own unique experiences. A variety of agencies and institutions provide resources and learning opportunities that can equip parents with skills essential to the raising of children. This is a rich opportunity for outreach that congregations can pursue, to equip parents to teach children in love.

Parental discipline has a goal of influencing Christ-like behavior and decision-making in children. Congregations have an opportunity to teach positive parenting skills and approaches. Consider these 5 areas to equip parents.

1. Time-out and redirection strategies. Helping children to understand wrong behavior and to identify more appropriate alternatives is an essential piece to positive parenting.
2. Providing a Good Environment. Establishing boundaries and routines reduces stress and makes a child’s “universe” predictable and safe. Furthermore, established boundaries and routines help parents identify what battles to engage and avoid micromanaging.
3. Showing Affection & Playing with Kids. Many parents isolate themselves from their children’s world unintentionally. Playing and effectively communicating with children are skills that may not come naturally. Interaction beyond correction is critical to the development of a child.
4. Encouragement Builds. When we approve the actions of children, they are more likely to repeat the behavior. Encouragement with knowledge builds self-confidence in children. Catching the right action and affirming is more powerful that catching the wrong and admonishing
5. Mirrors of Faith. Children tend to do what parents do. The way parents live and share their faith will shape the faith journey of their children.

God calls men and women, to raise their children up in the training and instruction of the Lord. The church equips men and women to be parents.

If you or your congregation would like to further explore the opportunities to engage families in the mission of your congregation, consider the following workshops and seminars.

Footprints for Families is a workshop/seminar that teaches Christian parent’s life-strategies and skills that nurture the faith within family life. Topics include; Pursuing a Vision, Managing Chaos and Breathing Faith into Daily Life.

Faith and Family is a Christian parenting seminar that strengthens the partnership between the congregation and home. Topics include; Faith Formation, Church and Family Partnership, and Faith Milestones.

Connections is a workshop/seminar that equips church staffs and congregational leaders for the development of family ministry. Planning activities include; Vision to Action Planning, Ministry Survey and Analysis, and Structuring for Success.

Contact the district office for additional information.

Mr. Jeffery R. Moeller, Director of Youth and Education
Fairlawn Lutheran Church, Akron, OH
Phone: (330) 836-7286
E-mail: jeff.moeller@fairlawnlutheran.org