Intentional Parenting

We have a brand new teenager (as of last month) and a tween (10 this week) in the house, plus a four year old and two year old.  I have to confess - most days I am in survival mode.  Housework, meals, communicating with teachers, homeschool for the divas, and whatever each day decides to throw at me leaves little room for intentional parenting.  But, God has laid it on my heart recently, so I am working on getting back to being an intentional parent.

In my quest to return to intentional parenting, I found this great list at theintentionallife.com:


Here are the nine habits of an intentional parent:

1.  I will not do for my child what he needs to do for himself—when I do, I disrespect him. 
2. I will not overreact—when I do, my child has won. 
3. I will not rescue my child from life lessons he needs to learn—when I do, I weaken him. 
4. I will not treat my teenager like a child—when I do, I create resentment. I will not be dissuaded from doing right, despite anger, tears, cursing or threats—when I do, I am an irresponsible parent. 
5. I will use my Heart—when they are hurting, confused, searching or frustrated. 
    I will use my Head—when they have questions, need guidance or want answers.
    I will use my Hand (take action)—when they are disrespectful, disobedient or lazy. 
6. I will pick my parenting battles carefully—because it’s more important to be the right parent than to be right. 
7. I will give lots of encouragement—because it will help my child to succeed.
8. I will provide training, instruction and support as needed—because that’s my job.
9. I will pray daily for my children—because my children belong to God.

 * See more at: http://www.theintentionallife.com/nine-habits-of-an-intentional-parent/#sthash.rUl1eQRb.dpuf *

Seems easy, doesn't it?  But, how many of us rush to do for our children to save time?  Do we give them enough encouragement?  Most importantly, do we honestly and authentically pray over our children daily?  Beyond, "Lord, keep them safe/healthy" or "Lord, give me the patience..."?

As I am working through the newness of teenager years, I am trying to remember not to violate #4 by implementing #3.  As I meditate on this list, my prayer is simple - "God, help me to remember all of these ways that I need to be intentional about my parenting.  Guide me and show me which ones are the most important with each of my 4 children right now.  But, Lord, remind me that I am only human and am doing my best when the busyness of the day gets in the way and I slip from being an intentional parent to just going through the motions.  Bring me gently back to where You need me to be and how You need me to guide these beautiful, smart, funny, incredible souls whom You have blessed me with and charged me with their loving care as their mom."

Amen?

Have a blessed day!