Stages of Parenting

UPDATE:  There is no Sunday School or Adult Christian Education Classes this Sunday, May 25.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been talking about Reading, Praying, and Planning (this post).

The two weeks we spent on planning were designed to help parents live this Tedd Tripp quote.

"Give your children big truths they will grow into 

rather than light explanations they will grow out of."

Much of this material is taken from Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp and Age of Opportunity by Paul Tripp In class, we talked about three different age groups:  birth through 5 years old, 5 years old through 12 years old, and teenagers.

In Week 1 of planning, we discussed general ideas for each age group, with the goal of exploring and sharing specific parenting questions and ideas in Week 2.

Both of these classes have been combined into one post.  And while there are variations in the development of different children, the concept is intended to prompt you to think and plan as your child grows.

At every age, two essential things need to be done.

Reading.  When your children are younger, take time to read to them.  As they grow as readers, encourage reading with them, both independently and together.

Praying:  Remember to pray with and for your children.

BIRTH THROUGH 5 YEARS OLD

The BIG WORD in this period is CHANGE. There is SO MUCH change that happens in a short period.

Physical Change:   A child goes from not being able to hold his head up to running around the house.

Social Change:  A child goes from one primary social interaction, the mom, to having a group of friends outside of the family, and specifically one favorite friend.

Intellectual Change:  A child goes from crying to being able to clearly ask for things, sometimes.

Through reading together, playing games, and other activities, parents should seek to cultivate joy in learning.  Look for opportunities to help your child learn new things and encourage them when they demonstrate what they have learned.  A big part of this is helping children understand the meaning of words.  

Spiritually, begin helping them to see their dependence on God and the work of Christ.  At this young age, remind them that they are created in the image of God.

At 4 and 5 years old, help your child in the development of his/her conscience.  Andy Naselli has written a book, Conscience, that I have used in many different classes and situations.   He has also written a children's book, "That Little Voice in Your Head: Learning About Your Conscience."  HERE is a summary of the book.

5 through 12 years old

The BIG WORD for this age is CHARACTER.

Throughout this stage of childhood, they will begin spending more time away from you.  This is an excellent time for character building.  Help your child grow in dependability, honesty, kindness, consideration, helpfulness, humility, self-control, and purity.

There are many ways to help your child grow in these areas and many others.  Encourage your child to contribute to the needs of the family by assigning responsibilities and encouraging disciplined living.  Another part of this period is finding and choosing friends.  Help your child understand the importance of making wise choices in friendships.  

Teen Years

The BIG WORDS for this age are TRANSITION and INSECURITY

This time is not merely rebellion.  Often, rebellion is "simply a misguided attempt to establish individuality." 

In "Age of Opportunity, Paul Tripp offers three strategies to help with parenting.  

"Project Parenting" - More to come later

"Constant Conversation" - You must pursue your child.  Listening, asking questions, and being available are essential components of this ongoing conversation.

"Leading Your Teenager to Repentance" - Help your teen understand how to recognize sin in his/her life and live under the Lordship of Christ.

On a personal note:  I enjoyed not just teaching this hour long class this quarter but even more so interacting with parents and grandparents about various parenting issues.  It is my prayer that the class was a help in the lives of those who attended.