“Do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up
in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:4 {NIV}
I know we’ve all been there … exasperated with our children. In fact, I was “there” this morning. My teen was on a downward spiral of frustration and I joined right in with her. Exasperated.
Instead of approaching her with love and understanding … instead of coming alongside her, I became frustrated myself and clearly let her know it. That technique sure did nothing for either of us, when the Lord spoke to me that the enemy was getting the best of both of us!
It is so important that we parent our children with love. In chapter 20, a mother is talking about her daughter’s problem of cutting herself. Dr. Dobson replies, “Now that you know what she is likely to be feeling, you can certainly come alongside her with encouragement and compassion. Simply talking and reasoning will not help. Nor will getting angry or saying, ‘I insist that you stop doing this.’”
In chapter 19, Dr. Dobson says this, “The more you can demonstrate to your sons and daughters that you care and are on their team, the better the outcome.”
How about you? Does your daughter know you’re on her team? Do your actions and words show love or exasperation?
Join me at the MODsquad today to read the rest of my review on Bringing Up Girls.
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we are human, we do what we feel is right at the moment we feel being right is what is being done. you are kind, loving, giving, sharing, compassionate … etc., and the list goes on. your character, everything you do is and always will be a learning experience for you in the most positive way possible !! i love you, and know you to try and act without regrets, how can that steer {stier} you wrong :)
It is nice to see that you too, admit your faults. I get angry and yell sometimes, but realize that I need to try to remain calm and help the kids along. I apologize and say that I don’t like to yell and we should work together. I think if we do lose our cool, we need to apologize immediately, or you lose some of their trust.
Now Im hooked! I had to go back and order the book and read your previous reviews. I have 2 girls and we were 3 growing up with a single mom; my dad died when we were very little.
Thanks so much for all your words.. you are truly an inspiration. Every day I have to stop by your blog and read :-)
What wonderful insight. I really needed that reminder after my evening. I’m going to get the BOY version of this book!
I’m wondering if this is a good book for whatever age girls one has. Mine are 5 and 2 and, while they do so often exasperate me (as I”m sure I exasperate them), it’s obviously not the same way as it will be when they’re older. What do you think?