dances/prom??

[Aquila]

Being a parent is far more than saying “No.” to all perceived dangers and locking our kids up in tower from all harm.

A parent must teach and demonstrate how to take a stand, how to lovingly compromise, how to fall with grace, how to ask for forgiveness, how to work out complications, how to accept fault, and how to get back up again without shame.

Being a parent is very difficult and complicated. You almost have to introduce the world in small enough doses to create life lessons out of those moments. All too often I’ve seen sheltered kids take in the full force of the world when they leave home… and most of those I’ve seen haven’t been able to handle it. The vast majority totally washed out and became strung out, bitter about church, their parents, and even God Himself. Yet, on the other hand I’ve seen kids who were given far more freedom to mess up (and often did) learn from their mistakes under the wing of their loving parents. These appear more well rounded, realistic, balanced, and even faithful to the things of the Christian faith.

But… that’s just my experience. Others might have a different experience.