Seasons Of Parenting

Season: Summer 11-16                                                              

Summer—when it’s hot—very hot…It’s the time that you are in the most danger of losing your child [or your mind]. Summer is a time of turmoil…A time when so many important decisions must be made. This is the time when the real self emerges; when we need to watch the child like hawks. It is our responsibility to get into our child’s world…This is a time when [your child] may decide to follow their faith. The mind can now deal with the concrete and abstract. [p. 22]

The supreme question is the why question. It may appear obvious to you. [Your children] may appear to understand everything when [they] were younger, but [during the summer years they are] questioning. Let [them]…Love [them]. There’s a struggle because a new birth is taking place. This is pregnancy time again, but it’s not a child that is coming; an adult is about to be formed. There is pain. [p. 22]

Prescription

Adolescents benefit from instruction and concrete explanations. Parents be warned; there is morning sickness ahead. Some days it looks as if you are going to make it. Other days you can’t see it. A new self is emerging. Values, commitments, relationships are being formed and solidified. [Your child wants to be independent, but at this stage the umbilical cord is still there. There is a connection. There is a lifeline. Expose [your child] gradually to the world of work, the experience of driving, the privilege of service, and he joy of faith. But recognize that you don’t have long. The cord is about to be cut…Pump life-giving, love-building nutrients into that body now—while you can. [p. 20]

Words of Wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, 20-25, Psalm 40:1-10, Ephesians 5:1, 8-9, 17-19, 1 Peter 1:3-9)

Use summer as a time to build your child’s faith and not just fences. Yes, you are responsible for protecting your child, but you are also responsible for equipping your child. Plant the seed of God’s word, pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on their life, in the early and later rain, and don’t block them from sun or trample on them but get out of the way and let them receive the life-giving light of the Son of Righteousness [Jesus, the living word] and watch them grow by the grace of God.