Watch the video HERE
Part 1
This month’s class is “Parents and Prodigals.”
We all know the story or at least pieces of the story. Even if we didn’t grow up in church, we know about “the prodigal”. It has even become a phrase that is now part of our culture. It is used to refer to any wide variety of struggles or rebellion.
If we are a parent, we know the struggle is real. Even if we have “good” kids, there are always moments and seasons of feeling like we have a “prodigal”. As our video referred to, Solomon, one of the wisest people to ever live, struggled with his own children. It is not a matter of how smart we are or how loving we have been when it comes to having a prodigal.
In those moments and seasons, we must also consciously choose to pursue our own spiritual health. Maybe even finding someone to help you process and talk through what is going on in your home. I (and our staff) would love to be those people if you need it. We are here for you as a community to walk life with you in those difficult moments. There are even people in our church that have been in similar seasons. Please do not hesitate to contact me and let me know how I can come along side of you now or in the future.
Part 2
Are you in the season where you feel like your pre-teen/teen is running away from a relationship with you more than toward one? Do you feel like it is the same with their relationship with God?
This month’s Online Parenting Class is just for you or will be for you at some point, believe it or not. Every child will go through a prodigal season; for some it is not as tough, while for others it is a long season for a family.
Here is the powerful Biblical advice, based on the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke in our video, along with some additional reflection questions for you to think through and/or discuss as parents.
1. Fight for influence more than control.
– How are you fighting for influence more than control with your child right now?
– In what ways did you see or not see your parents live out this idea when you were a teen?
2. Build relationship bridges
– What are the things that your child likes to do that would allow you time to hang out and talk?
– What ways are you intentionally trying to start positive conversations with your child?
3. Let go of the grudge
– What is a grudge you are holding right against your child you just need to let go?