Attitude Adjustments: A 3-Day Parenting PlanSample

Get ‘Em Through It

"If you find [wisdom], there is a future hope for you." (Proverbs 24:14)

A waitress once recognized me (JCD) when I came into the restaurant where she worked. She was a single mother and wanted to talk about her twelve-year-old daughter, who had been struggling to raise. “We have fought tooth and nail for this entire year,” she said. “We argue nearly every night, and most of our fights are over the same issue. She wants to shave her legs, but I feel she’s too young.” My response? “Lady, buy your daughter a razor!”

That twelve-year-old was paddling into a time of life that would rock her canoe. As a single parent, this mother would soon be trying to keep her rebellious adolescent away from drugs, alcohol, sex and pregnancy, early marriage, school failure, and the possibility of running away. In that setting, it seemed unwise to make a big deal over such a small issue as shaving. While I agreed with the mother that adolescence should not be brought on prematurely, there were higher priorities to consider.

Scripture says that “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established” (Proverbs 24:3). Those same qualities should be applied to raising families. It takes both wisdom and understanding to know when to tighten your grip and when to loosen it. In the case of hardheaded kids floating toward the rapids in the teenage years, the wisest approach may be to simply get ’em through it.

Questions for Today . . .

• Are you focusing on the matters that most affect your kids’ welfare?
• Do you always seek God for wisdom and understanding in your parental decisions?

Prayer . . .

Father, may I keep my focus on those things that are most important to the well-being of my children. May my discernment be equal to the task. Most of all, help me to keep my eyes upon You. Amen.

(Excerpted from Dr. James and Shirley Dobson’s book, Night Light for Parents. Used with permission.)

Practical Help for Parents!

If you're navigating the ups and downs of parenting, you're not alone.

Dr. James Dobson has spent decades equipping parents to guide their sons and daughters in becoming the men and women God created them to be. Sign up for his 10-day email series and receive practical strategies and timeless biblical wisdom no matter the challenges you're facing.

Bringing Up Boys email series

Bringing Up Girls email series