Last Sunday (April 13) I preached on the key to successful parenting. Several people have asked for a copy of the top 10 list for parenting that I closed the sermon with this past Sunday. This is the second part of the list, #’s 6-10. Check out part 1 if you want #’s 1-5. This list did not originate with me but comes from Kevin Leman. I got it out of the book Illustrations Unlimited. I think they are very insightful. The words italicized in bold are my thoughts.

6. I need your encouragement (but not your empty praise) to grow. Go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me. We must correct wrong behavior and action; however, at the same time, we must reinforce our love and appreciation for who the child is.

7. Give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I’ll be prepared to make the decisions life will require of me. This is so hard to do because we want our children to avoid the mistakes we made. They should benefit from our experience. We forget that much our growth occurred through learning from our mistakes. Let us guide our children but sometimes we need to allow them to fail. They will learn and retain more living their journey than they will if I am forcing them to relive mine.

8. Don’t do things over for me; that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t measure up to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but don’t compare me with my brother or my sister. Give them room to complete things without having to live up to our preferences.

9. Don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, and parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is something special. First comes God. Then comes marriage. Then comes the children. The greatest gift you can give your child, outside of faith training, is a stable home where Mom and Dad love each other and prioritize their marriage. You are modeling a successful future for your children.

10. Take me to Sunday school and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God. Raising your children within the body of Christ will build a spiritual foundation that is priceless. Worshipping and fellowshipping with a body of believers puts us in a great position to learn more about living out our faith on a daily basis.