“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 NIV

From a top 20 list of things people were most worried about - at number 16 was - “whether I’m a good parent.”

As a dad of an 8 year old I have asked myself similar questions.

“How am I doing at this?”

“Is she getting what she needs from me to be all she could be?”

Self examination is a good thing. (1 Cor 11:28)

When we reflect we create an opportunity to respond.
Our response to reflection however; will either carry us to a healthier place, or cripple us from running our race.

No doubt the weight of parenting can feel like a huge responsibility. One that we can’t comprehend being able to carry out.

Could it be the awareness that successful parenting is way beyond us is actually a good thing?

Why yes, yes it is.

Wait what?

Because anything you can do on your own keeps God out of the equation.

That healthy realization alone closes the door to undue fear anxiety and worry.

My faith rests in God and in his ability to move in me and through me to raise my children.

In acknowledging my weakness I place myself in dependance on seeking God’s Word and his way in every situation I face.

And it is in that example of God dependance where a God directed path is worn for our children to follow.

Because we aren’t consumed by fear and worry - we won’t teach them to worry over problems they can’t face alone.

The better question might be, “Am I trusting wholly in the Lord and living by his Word?” When the answer is, “yes, I am pulling fully on all the grace that he has poured out for me to live for him alone.”

Then we can confidently say, “I am the best parent God empowers me to be.” No worries.