Parenting by Design Daily DevotionalSample

LESSONS FROM AUTHORITIES As our children grow, they will experience conflicts with various authorities in their lives. It could be a teacher who singled them out for unfair treatment. It might be a coach who shows favoritism to undeserving players. Perhaps they have a boss who is overly critical and demanding. What can we do to help our children mature and grow in the midst of these experiences? Often, our first reaction is to try to fix the problem. While there may be instances when our intervention is necessary, this approach usually doesn't equip them to address future conflicts on their own. Instead of offering suggestions, criticism, or advice, listen as your kids describe their frustrations. Let them know you have heard them by reflecting their thoughts and feelings back to them. Then encourage them to solve the problem by asking, "What do you think you're going to do?" Trust God to work through the situation by going to Him in prayer together. God will teach our kids valuable life lessons through dealing with the authorities in their lives.