The Attitude of Successful Parenting
Attitude is critical in so many things we do. A good attitude goes a long way in working with others. No one likes to be around people who are always complaining, blaming others for their plight in life, or have a sour disposition.
In doing some research on attitude I discovered that many aircraft have an “attitude instrument” Yes, you read it correctly, attitude. (Yes, they have instruments to measure altitude also). I did a double-take when I first saw that. The attitude instrument informs the pilot of the orientation of the aircraft in relation to the horizon. This is a very critical piece of safety information. I’ve attached a link from a leadership group at the bottom of the blog with some helpful information about how to check and keep our attitude in a right orientation.
The banner hanging in the school principal’s office said, “Your attitude determines your altitude.” There is, I believe, a lot of truth in that statement. And, I believe it is particularly true that our attitude about our child will go a long way in determining our “success,” how well we do as a parent. If you want to be a successful parent, you will need to think seriously about a couple of questions.
Where did your child or children come from? Is this a ridiculous question? On the surface it may seem so, but stop and consider the various attitudes toward the unborn in our country. This year’s Supreme Court decision to reverse Roe v. Wade and send the abortion decision back to the states for determination has put abortion back on the list of important topics for the upcoming elections. Almost every day you see telecasts of politicians and pro-abortion groups distorting the facts of the court’s decision and clamoring for a national law to make a woman’s right to an abortion a federal law.
One of the crucial aspects of the debate that is rarely, if ever, discussed by the proponents of abortion is the worth or value of the child, the life that is taken by abortion. As a nation, have we moved so far away from God and the teachings of Scripture that we see children as an inconvenience or a mistake we can fix by killing?
Whether you have birthed your children or they have come to you through adoption, you have the opportunity to rear them in an environment that is very counter to what is believed and taught in much of our culture. Children are a gift from God. That’s the attitude of successful parenting. Let’s explore the idea a little further.
One of the most important ideas in Christian parenting is the unmistakable certainty your child is God’s gift to you. This attitude is well supported in scripture. The Hebrew culture considered children a special blessing of God. Psalm 127:4-5 reads, “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver if full of them.”
On the other hand, childless couples in that Hebrew culture saw themselves as lacking one of life’s greatest blessings. Out of this rich heritage we, as Christians, should approach the experience of parenting with a special sense of gratitude, awe and wonder. Your child is fortunate if you really believe this and act it out in your relationship with him.
The ability to procreate is a blessing from God. Genesis 1:28 says concerning Adam and Eve, God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” Your ability to have a child is a blessing from God. It is not an accident, but within the plan of God for human happiness and carrying out his purposes. Look into the face of your child and say this to yourself, “This child is God’s gift to me.”
One of the most important insights you will ever have about your child is that he is a gift from God to you. This belief, this attitude is basic to all you attempt to do for your child. God made your child and placed him in your care for a little while. Now the question remains for you to answer: what am I going to do with this priceless gift?
Good question. What do you do with your child, this gift God has placed in your care? May I suggest a few things for you to consider?
- Thank God for your child. Do this often. Do it when you like your child. Do it when you don’t like what they are doing. Live in an attitude of gratitude toward God for placing this precious life in your care. Do this and see how this attitude affects your relationship and how you parent your child.
- Make it a priority to be a good parent. You have been entrusted with a very valuable gift and the way you treat your child says a lot about you. Many gifts we receive don’t need lots of attention and care. Not true with children. They need you to be responsible for their physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. They are not finished products and you have lots of work to do. If you’re not already there, it’s time to be an adult and make parenting a huge priority in your life. Believe me about this, you’ll be glad you did. And, so will your child.
- Enjoy your gift. While a great deal of work and responsibility come with our children, so do a great deal of fun and joy. Don’t miss this aspect of parenting. Build great memories that will bless your later years.
Play with them, enjoy them, and grow with them. If you will allow them to do so, they will help you rediscover the true joy of being alive. They will teach you to slow down and enjoy simple things like flowers, butterflies, clouds, and many wonders of God’s world you so often take for granted.
Remember: The attitude of gratitude will go a long way in making you a successful parent.
Extra: Your Attitude Indicator. https://www.voltageleadershipconsulting.com/blog/2017/6/12/hows-your-attitude-indicator
This book will help you understand the purpose of living and guide you to help prepare your child for the challenges ahead. https://www.cosdavis.com/product/parenting-with-a-purpose