In the previous column [in FAITH Magazine] we considered ideas for spouses to parent together so they form a prayerful, loving partnership, writes Sheri Wohlfert, pictured, in the latest edition of FAITH Magazine, the official publication of the Diocese of Lansing, as she once again tackles the issue of “creating a prayerful parenting partnership”. Sheri continues:
We discussed the importance of prayer, patience and working through different scenarios together. Parents bring different ideas and opinions to the parenting equation, but they might not realize how different their approaches are until they are knee-deep in a parenting conflict. My husband and I learned quickly that parenting has deep roots in our personalities and our life experiences. With all of this in mind, let’s consider a few more ideas for a healthy parenting partnership.
• Stay united: Conflict leads to inconsistency, and being a united, consistent front for our kids is so very important. When our kids see us working together and supporting each other, we send a strong signal. Save parenting disagreements for a time when the kids aren’t around. Pray together for wisdom during tough parenting times.
• Watch the masters: Be on the lookout for great parenting. If there is a family who raised or is raising great kids, ask questions, have a conversation with them and soak up their wisdom. Pray about how you can apply it to your own parenting.
• Remember the goal: Remember we are in the business of raising saints and pleasing everyone is not a part of that mission. We don’t have to please our own parents or impress other people. When people tell you how to parent, simply listen to their input, take it to prayer, talk with your spouse and do what’s best for the saints you’re raising.
• Go back to the beginning: Parenting can be difficult and all-consuming, so return often to the one with whom you fell in love first. Marriages need to be nurtured to keep the love strong because parenting takes love, teamwork and sacrifice. Spend time together and divide your date time into two sections. Part one: Have a conversation about your relationship as parents; take time to discuss anything that needs to be shared about the kids. Part two: Hard jobs are better accomplished with someone you enjoy, so talk, laugh, plan and dream about anything but the kids. Make sure to enjoy one another.
* Sheri Wohlfert is a wife, mom, grandma, speaker, writer and parishioner at Saint Mary in Westphalia. Catch her blog at www.joyfulwords.org