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Incorporate these traits into your own family
DONATE NOW Believe it or not, we're already halfway through the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive. Before moving on to traits 4-7, we want to make you aware of a few additional resources that we think you'll find invaluable as you endeavor to incorporate these traits into your own family.
Focus on Parenting Podcast: Timeless wisdom that will challenge and encourage you in being a better parent.
Start Listening Now»FocusOnTheFamily.com/parenting: From babies to teens, we have resources and articles to help guide you through every age and stage of parenting.
Explore Helpful Articles»Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr.®Magazine: Faith-filled fun for kids, 3-7. Creative stories, fascinating articles, puzzles and craft ideas that reinforce biblical values.
Subscribe Today»Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine: This entertaining Christian magazine for kids, 8-12, reinforces traditional values with hands-on activities, challenging puzzles and exciting stories.
Subscribe Today»Adventures in Odyssey Club: Experience the world of Adventures in Odyssey where fun, imaginative audio dramas help grow your child's faith. Through the stories of well-loved characters, children cultivate a love for Christ and a desire to follow Him in their daily lives. Great adventure awaits the entire family!
Start Your Free Trial Now»Plugged In®: Get great reviews of the latest movies, videos, music, TV shows and games from a Christian perspective. Download the App.
Download App»Make Every Day Count: Filled with conversation starters for parents and children, the Make Every Day Count app is designed to strengthen family talk time with fun and easy communication tips. Like us on Facebook.
Download App»Connect with Us: Follow @FocusParentingon Twitter for encouraging tips and resources daily.
I hope these resources will help you as you disciple and mentor your kids to thrive in Christ! In our next email, we'll begin our discussion of traits 4-7 of the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive!
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
This family ministry is made possible by the generous support of friends like you.
DONATE TODAY»
DONATE NOW Believe it or not, we're already halfway through the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive. Before moving on to traits 4-7, we want to make you aware of a few additional resources that we think you'll find invaluable as you endeavor to incorporate these traits into your own family.
Focus on Parenting Podcast: Timeless wisdom that will challenge and encourage you in being a better parent.
Start Listening Now»FocusOnTheFamily.com/parenting: From babies to teens, we have resources and articles to help guide you through every age and stage of parenting.
Explore Helpful Articles»Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr.®Magazine: Faith-filled fun for kids, 3-7. Creative stories, fascinating articles, puzzles and craft ideas that reinforce biblical values.
Subscribe Today»Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine: This entertaining Christian magazine for kids, 8-12, reinforces traditional values with hands-on activities, challenging puzzles and exciting stories.
Subscribe Today»Adventures in Odyssey Club: Experience the world of Adventures in Odyssey where fun, imaginative audio dramas help grow your child's faith. Through the stories of well-loved characters, children cultivate a love for Christ and a desire to follow Him in their daily lives. Great adventure awaits the entire family!
Start Your Free Trial Now»Plugged In®: Get great reviews of the latest movies, videos, music, TV shows and games from a Christian perspective. Download the App.
Download App»Make Every Day Count: Filled with conversation starters for parents and children, the Make Every Day Count app is designed to strengthen family talk time with fun and easy communication tips. Like us on Facebook.
Download App»Connect with Us: Follow @FocusParentingon Twitter for encouraging tips and resources daily.
I hope these resources will help you as you disciple and mentor your kids to thrive in Christ! In our next email, we'll begin our discussion of traits 4-7 of the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive!
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
This family ministry is made possible by the generous support of friends like you.
DONATE TODAY»
Do you remember your first days as a parent? I vividly remember my first days as a dad; I was filled with a burning desire to be the perfect parent and provide my son with the best life possible.
The first few months of parenting helped me see how much I could learn, along with how little I actually controlled! Through many sleepless nights, and the stress of every moment bringing a new uncharted experience, I quickly began to realize I would never be the perfect parent.
As a licensed clinical social worker and now the Vice President of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family--and a fellow imperfect parent—I am passionate about providing moms and dads with a way to "WIN" at parenting!
Our Vision is to equip parents to disciple and mentor the next generation so that they can thrive in Christ.
Our Mission is to provide world-class, biblically-based, trustworthy content to help imperfect parents love and guide their children.
In the coming weeks, we'll be exploring Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive as you guide your children to a relationship with Christ.
Remember that while you can never be the perfect parent, God is waiting to shape you into the best parent you can be for your child.
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
The first few months of parenting helped me see how much I could learn, along with how little I actually controlled! Through many sleepless nights, and the stress of every moment bringing a new uncharted experience, I quickly began to realize I would never be the perfect parent.
As a licensed clinical social worker and now the Vice President of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family--and a fellow imperfect parent—I am passionate about providing moms and dads with a way to "WIN" at parenting!
Our Vision is to equip parents to disciple and mentor the next generation so that they can thrive in Christ.
Our Mission is to provide world-class, biblically-based, trustworthy content to help imperfect parents love and guide their children.
In the coming weeks, we'll be exploring Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive as you guide your children to a relationship with Christ.
Remember that while you can never be the perfect parent, God is waiting to shape you into the best parent you can be for your child.
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
Eggs, flour, sugar, water, oil, chocolate chips ... If you've ever had the joy of baking cookies with your kids, you know the importance of having all the right ingredients.
Love is the first of the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive. Just like a good batch of cookies, love requires several key ingredients!
It's easy to love our kids when they're behaving. But what about when they decide to color on the living room wall, or forget to pick up their toys for the 500th time?
Loving our kids through their imperfections can be difficult, but love is measured by what you're willing to endure with another person. God provides the recipe for enduring love in 1 Corinthians 13:
Patience—Self-Control—Humility--
Listening—Kindness—Gratitude
As we strive to unconditionally love our children, we're often left feeling as though we've poured out everything we have to give—receiving little in return. As a result, our own imperfections begin to surface.
When you feel your capacity for love has been drained, remember that you are God's masterpiece, created "for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
One of the "good" things God created you to be is a loving parent.
Loving your kids through their imperfections requires sacrifice, endurance, and perseverance, but just like the perfect chocolate chip cookie—love is always worth it!
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
Love is the first of the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive. Just like a good batch of cookies, love requires several key ingredients!
It's easy to love our kids when they're behaving. But what about when they decide to color on the living room wall, or forget to pick up their toys for the 500th time?
Loving our kids through their imperfections can be difficult, but love is measured by what you're willing to endure with another person. God provides the recipe for enduring love in 1 Corinthians 13:
Patience—Self-Control—Humility--
Listening—Kindness—Gratitude
As we strive to unconditionally love our children, we're often left feeling as though we've poured out everything we have to give—receiving little in return. As a result, our own imperfections begin to surface.
When you feel your capacity for love has been drained, remember that you are God's masterpiece, created "for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
One of the "good" things God created you to be is a loving parent.
Loving your kids through their imperfections requires sacrifice, endurance, and perseverance, but just like the perfect chocolate chip cookie—love is always worth it!
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
Respect: a feeling or understanding that someone or something is important, serious, etc., and should be treated in an appropriate way.—Merriam-Webster Dictionary
The definition of respect is clear. But what happens when we, as parents, fail to cultivate an atmosphere of respect within our families?
This question brings us to the second of the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive: Respect!
Consider implementing these simple actions to help your kids learn respect by your example:
If you struggle with disrespect in your home, please call us at 800-A-FAMILY to arrange to speak confidentially wtih one of our staff counselors or to inquire about resources on cultivating an atmosphere of respect within your family.
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
The definition of respect is clear. But what happens when we, as parents, fail to cultivate an atmosphere of respect within our families?
This question brings us to the second of the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive: Respect!
Consider implementing these simple actions to help your kids learn respect by your example:
- Say Please and Thank You to your children when you ask something of them that is above and beyond their responsibilities (i.e. get you a cup of water, bring your Bible or book to you, put your shoes away).
- Allow your children the chance to fully share their opinions and suggestions before jumping in.
- Consider how you speak about others in your child’s life.
- Respectfully, calmly remind your child of a responsibility and consistently implement a consequence when appropriate.
If you struggle with disrespect in your home, please call us at 800-A-FAMILY to arrange to speak confidentially wtih one of our staff counselors or to inquire about resources on cultivating an atmosphere of respect within your family.
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
After hours of playing Monopoly, you finally own Park Place AND Boardwalk, with a hotel on each. The game is in your hands! Then, little Katie, for fear of losing, decides it would be more fun to switch up the rules, and put all of the properties back up for sale…
Parenting with boundaries can be very similar to playing a competitive game of Monopoly. This brings us to the third of the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive: Boundaries and Limits.
Often, parents are quick to set boundaries for their children without explaining WHY. I encourage you to take every opportunity to explain to your children how rules and boundaries make life fun and enjoyable!
Rules provide structure and order, but they require cooperation, awareness and communication. Consider creating some positive boundaries for your children. Give them age-appropriate chores or responsibilities.
Psalm 119:92-93 says, "If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life."
Boundaries may make your child unhappy in the short term, but intentional parenting involves looking beyond the present and setting limits that guide your child toward God's best for their future.
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
Parenting with boundaries can be very similar to playing a competitive game of Monopoly. This brings us to the third of the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive: Boundaries and Limits.
Often, parents are quick to set boundaries for their children without explaining WHY. I encourage you to take every opportunity to explain to your children how rules and boundaries make life fun and enjoyable!
Rules provide structure and order, but they require cooperation, awareness and communication. Consider creating some positive boundaries for your children. Give them age-appropriate chores or responsibilities.
Psalm 119:92-93 says, "If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life."
Boundaries may make your child unhappy in the short term, but intentional parenting involves looking beyond the present and setting limits that guide your child toward God's best for their future.
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
Be known as thankful parents
DONATE NOW Raising a Modern-Day KnightPurchase Now» Raising a Modern-Day PrincessPurchase Now» I recall the story of a mother who often shared with her kids how grateful she was for laundry. Can you believe it? Rather than viewing laundry as another parental obligation, this mother saw every pair of grass-stained pants and mismatched socks as opportunities to thank the Lord for the blessing of having a family to do laundry for!
Gratitude is the fifth of the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive. Gratefulness cultivates a humble heart that helps all of the other traits grow exponentially.
Consider the following ways to foster gratitude in your home this week:
1. As a busy parent, it is important to pause and take the time to "feel" thankful.
2. Regularly talk in front of your children about the things you're thankful for. When your kids observe you expressing gratitude, they see an example of this critical characteristic in action.
3. Say "Thank you" to your family members for specific things. Families often become so comfortable with one another that they forget common courtesy. This can also happen in our relationship with the Lord. Don't take things for granted! Colossians 3 admonishes us to "be thankful" (v. 15). We're called to live lives of pure thankfulness for God's blessings.
While we might never be known as perfect parents, we can make every effort to be known as thankful parents! Gratitude is the puzzle piece that ties everything together.
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
This family ministry is made possible by the generous support of friends like you.
DONATE TODAY»Share This Email
Connect With Us
Marriage | Parenting | Today's Broadcast | Family Store
You are subscribed as [email protected]. We received your email address from a Focus on the Family website or through the mail. We apologize if someone else has submitted your address without your permission.
Make sure you receive Focus emails—add [email protected] to your address book.
To change your contact information or to get in touch with Focus, call 800-A-FAMILY (232-6459) or email us.
This is part of the Parenting email series. Unsubscribe from this email series or update your preferences/unsubscribe if you do not want to receive this type of email or any future emails from Focus on the Family.
© 2017, Focus on the Family
8605 Explorer Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
Source Code: 429103
DONATE NOW Raising a Modern-Day KnightPurchase Now» Raising a Modern-Day PrincessPurchase Now» I recall the story of a mother who often shared with her kids how grateful she was for laundry. Can you believe it? Rather than viewing laundry as another parental obligation, this mother saw every pair of grass-stained pants and mismatched socks as opportunities to thank the Lord for the blessing of having a family to do laundry for!
Gratitude is the fifth of the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive. Gratefulness cultivates a humble heart that helps all of the other traits grow exponentially.
Consider the following ways to foster gratitude in your home this week:
1. As a busy parent, it is important to pause and take the time to "feel" thankful.
2. Regularly talk in front of your children about the things you're thankful for. When your kids observe you expressing gratitude, they see an example of this critical characteristic in action.
3. Say "Thank you" to your family members for specific things. Families often become so comfortable with one another that they forget common courtesy. This can also happen in our relationship with the Lord. Don't take things for granted! Colossians 3 admonishes us to "be thankful" (v. 15). We're called to live lives of pure thankfulness for God's blessings.
While we might never be known as perfect parents, we can make every effort to be known as thankful parents! Gratitude is the puzzle piece that ties everything together.
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
This family ministry is made possible by the generous support of friends like you.
DONATE TODAY»Share This Email
Connect With Us
Marriage | Parenting | Today's Broadcast | Family Store
You are subscribed as [email protected]. We received your email address from a Focus on the Family website or through the mail. We apologize if someone else has submitted your address without your permission.
Make sure you receive Focus emails—add [email protected] to your address book.
To change your contact information or to get in touch with Focus, call 800-A-FAMILY (232-6459) or email us.
This is part of the Parenting email series. Unsubscribe from this email series or update your preferences/unsubscribe if you do not want to receive this type of email or any future emails from Focus on the Family.
© 2017, Focus on the Family
8605 Explorer Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
Source Code: 429103
Engaging in meaningful conversations
DONATE NOW IrreplaceableYOURS FOR A DONATION OF ANY AMOUNT» Intentional: done in a way that is planned or intended—Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Intentionality is the fourth of the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive. Being intentional takes time, energy, and commitment—but it can change everything!
It's often been said, "If you don't raise your children, someone else will." As today's culture attempts to redefine truth, parents must be intentional about discipling their kids and engaging in meaningful conversations.
How can you parent intentionally?
1. Plan! Anticipation can reduce stress. Consider what your child will face in the coming year, and create a plan to equip them so they're prepared to thrive in Christ. Before an outing or event, explain what to expect and how to behave.
2. Simplify the connection. Here at Focus on the Family we are so passionate about the importance of families making the most out of life's simple moments that we created the Make Every Day Count app. It's filled with simple conversation starters to help you communicate with your kids and strengthen your family's conversations.
Download the App Now»3. Discuss examples of intentionality in Scripture. Colossians 3:12 and Ephesians 6 provide a glimpse of how to be fully equipped to live a new life in Christ. Encourage your kids to be intentional in their relationships with God and others.
Remember there are no perfect parents, but you can make every day count by parenting with intentionality.
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
This family ministry is made possible by the generous support of friends like you.
DONATE TODAY»Share This Email
Connect With Us
Marriage | Parenting | Today's Broadcast | Family Store
You are subscribed as [email protected]. We received your email address from a Focus on the Family website or through the mail. We apologize if someone else has submitted your address without your permission.
Make sure you receive Focus emails—add [email protected] to your address book.
To change your contact information or to get in touch with Focus, call 800-A-FAMILY (232-6459) or email us.
This is part of the Parenting email series. Unsubscribe from this email series or update your preferences/unsubscribe if you do not want to receive this type of email or any future emails from Focus on the Family.
© 2017, Focus on the Family
8605 Explorer Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
Source Code: 429303
DONATE NOW IrreplaceableYOURS FOR A DONATION OF ANY AMOUNT» Intentional: done in a way that is planned or intended—Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Intentionality is the fourth of the Seven Traits to Help Parents Thrive. Being intentional takes time, energy, and commitment—but it can change everything!
It's often been said, "If you don't raise your children, someone else will." As today's culture attempts to redefine truth, parents must be intentional about discipling their kids and engaging in meaningful conversations.
How can you parent intentionally?
1. Plan! Anticipation can reduce stress. Consider what your child will face in the coming year, and create a plan to equip them so they're prepared to thrive in Christ. Before an outing or event, explain what to expect and how to behave.
2. Simplify the connection. Here at Focus on the Family we are so passionate about the importance of families making the most out of life's simple moments that we created the Make Every Day Count app. It's filled with simple conversation starters to help you communicate with your kids and strengthen your family's conversations.
Download the App Now»3. Discuss examples of intentionality in Scripture. Colossians 3:12 and Ephesians 6 provide a glimpse of how to be fully equipped to live a new life in Christ. Encourage your kids to be intentional in their relationships with God and others.
Remember there are no perfect parents, but you can make every day count by parenting with intentionality.
A Fellow Imperfect Parent,
Danny Huerta
Vice President, Parenting & Youth
Focus on the Family
This family ministry is made possible by the generous support of friends like you.
DONATE TODAY»Share This Email
Connect With Us
Marriage | Parenting | Today's Broadcast | Family Store
You are subscribed as [email protected]. We received your email address from a Focus on the Family website or through the mail. We apologize if someone else has submitted your address without your permission.
Make sure you receive Focus emails—add [email protected] to your address book.
To change your contact information or to get in touch with Focus, call 800-A-FAMILY (232-6459) or email us.
This is part of the Parenting email series. Unsubscribe from this email series or update your preferences/unsubscribe if you do not want to receive this type of email or any future emails from Focus on the Family.
© 2017, Focus on the Family
8605 Explorer Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
Source Code: 429303