Eight Great Ways to Raise Strong Kids

Our blog series for the next two weeks is adapted from "Woman of Valor" written by Marilynn Chadwick. To download the full book, please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick Over the next two weeks, I want to share eight great ways to raise strong kids. It’s being written from the perspective of a mom, but has truths for dads as well. And if you’re not a parent at all, keep reading. There are truths here that can apply to anyone who is leading, influencing, and discipling the next generation. You may be someone who is called to stand in the gap for someone who did not have strong parents. I pray these truths strengthen you and inspire you no matter where you are in life. Growing up, our children used to have a running joke. When watching a lousy performer on American Idol—the ones eliminated in the first round—they would say, “Where was his mother?” Their point being that any good mom should never let a child go out into the world without a grasp of who they are and who they’re not. What they’re good at—and what they’re not. It’s the job of mothers and fathers to teach, nurture, and correct our kids. To tell them the truth about themselves and the world around them. I’ve said raising our children was my master passion, and it’s true. Nothing has ever given me as much joy, as many tears, or greater triumphs than the development of these three young people. Nothing I’ve accomplished compares with the exhilaration that came from pouring life into my kids and watching them flourish. But being a mother has also been challenging. Even gut-wrenching at times. I once commented to an older, wiser friend who had raised five great kids that I wished I was a little more relaxed as a mom. She shot back, “Are you kidding? Motherhood is not a relaxing job!” And she’s right. But with creativity, patience, a supportive community, and persistent prayer, it can work. I often say prayer is vital to a good marriage. And praying for my children has been my “go to” method of mothering. Pure and simple. This is more than just lip service, coming from a mom who knows she has plenty of flaws. I have often pored over God’s Word to see what He had to say. So, when the Bible promised, “Your children will be mighty in the land” (Psalm 112:2), I figured I was on solid ground in praying they would have an impact on the world. Surrender them to Christ, I learned early on. Fight for them. Develop their gifts and talents. Over the next several days, we’ll explore eight great ways to help our children reach their dreams. But at the heart of it all is prayer.