‘Over-parenting’

A mom or dad obsessed with fear for their children will “over-parent.” Anxiety rises as you watch that little kid disappear into the innards of a big yellow monster called a school bus. You shake inside when he says, “I’m going out for football!” The fragile-looking daughter decides to join the Army, and your heart becomes jelly.

Succumb to obsessive fear and you will try to lock your kids in a closet, dog their every step and butt into their every decision. That’s over-parenting. It happens when you lose faith in God’s capacity and willingness to take care of your children.

Anxious-hearted parents smother their kids and stunt their spiritual, mental and emotional growth. You and your children are never outside the Father’s care, even when He allows one of them to “fall,” by suffering consequences from their choices. That, by the way, is essential for their growth. Balanced parenting is committing your children to God’s care, preparing them for life as best as you can and then trusting the Father’s care without fear.

TODAY’S FOCUS
If you have children, commit them afresh to God and His perfect will and care. If you don’t, pray for the children in your extended family and their parents.