Today's Scripture

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." - Proverbs 16:3 NIV

Thoughts for Today

For many different reasons, more and more adult children, both male and female, are returning home to live with their parents. Whatever the reason for the return, the parenting skills you will need to maintain a healthy relationship with your adult child are markedly different from those you used when he or she was younger.

If your child is planning to move in with you, one of the most helpful steps you can take is to sit down with your child before move-in day and establish boundaries and ground rules that are acceptable to both. It is much easier to iron out difficulties on the front end; however, if your child is already living with you, you might still find this step to be helpful.

You might also want to plan a short time, perhaps 1/2 to 1 hour each week, to talk out any difficulties you may be having rather than allowing them to build into major problems.

Consider this …

Ask God for wisdom in setting up the boundaries and ground rules. And then, if your child is agreeable, pray together to commit your plans to Him.

Prayer

Father, I ask your guidance and help in planning for my child's moving back in with me. I pray that he will be open to seeking your guidance and committing our plans to you. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from …Godly Parenting: Parenting Skills at Each Stage of Growth by N. Elizabeth Holland, M.D. This study addresses parenting skills from the time of conception until the child has reached adulthood. It suggests methods for raising healthy, godly children in an increasingly secular society. Specific emphasis is placed on communication and teaching skills, discipline, protection and sexual issues at each age. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

 

 

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