Parenting Adults: Love and Respect - Living Free - August 3
Parenting Adults: Love and Respect
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king." 1 Peter 2:17 NLT
Thoughts for Today
The key to parenting an adult child is love and respect. This is especially important if your adult child has moved back home with you. All children are admonished to honor and respect their parents (Deuteronomy 5:16), but all of us are called to respect all people . . . including our children!
Communication with your adult child is on the level of adult to adult. It can be a tough challenge to respect his maturity and his independence, while at the same time, to maintain your position as his parent. You need to learn to suggest and request, rather than order. And here's a real challenge . . . you need to give advice to your adult son or daughter only when asked. At the same time, remember that this is your home, and your child is the guest; therefore, it is reasonable to expect (and require if necessary) that the rules of your home be respected.
Consider this . . .
An adult child living in your home can cause stress on both you and your child, but both of you can learn and grow from this experience. There will be times for compromise and times for submission. God can use all this as he works to transform you into the image of his Son. As you and your child work through various situations, always remember that mutual respect is a vital key.
Prayer
Father, teach me to communicate with my adult child on an adult level . . . showing respect. Help us both to learn to compromise, to submit to each other and to grow in you through all this experience. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from . . . Godly Parenting: Parenting Skills at Each Stage of Growth by N. Elizabeth Holland, M.D. This study addresses parenting skills from the time of conception until the child has reached adulthood. It suggests methods for raising healthy, godly children in an increasingly secular society. Specific emphasis is placed on communication and teaching skills, discipline, protection and sexual issues at each age.
Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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