by Elizabeth George June 11, 2020
When our children are growing up in our home, we train their spiritual sensitivity so they can “distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). We examine what’s going on in our home. Who are your children’s friends at school? Where are they spending their time? What are they reading and viewing? What music are they listening to?
Then they leave the nest.
Godly Adult Parenting
When our children first leave home it’s natural to struggle with our roles as their parent. While we must allow them to grow and mature on their own, we still feel a need to give guidance and direction. However, once your child becomes an adult, your relationship should change. We must trust that the Godly principles we’ve taught them as children will manifest in their adulthood; that those seeds we’ve planted in this good soil will grow and flourish!
As our children reach this stage, we would do well to remember that we are no longer the authority they use to look to. They must seek God and His authority. They must use the wisdom we’ve instilled in them to learn for themselves how to self-discipline and seek God for their direction in life. We can no longer impose our direction upon them.
Responsibilities of Parents of Adult Children
Even though our children are at the stage of life where they must make decisions themselves and face the consequences of those decisions, there are tangible things we can do to assist them.
RESPOND
Dear Lord, thank You for guiding and encouraging me with Your Holy Spirit … especially when I’m unsure of how to be a parent to my adult children. Help me to be a parent after Your own heart. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Mom After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George is fresh help for you—a busy mom!—to make God an everyday part of your child's life.
REFLECT
What expectations do you have of your adult child that can be adjusted to be more in line with God’s Word? What little successes can you celebrate with them?
REMEMBER
Once your child becomes an adult, your relationship should change. We must trust that the Godly principles we’ve taught them as children will manifest in their adulthood.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
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