In his book he describes different parenting styles...
Are you a helicopter parent? Are you hovering around them and not allowing them to make their own mistakes? Mistakes allow for opportunities for our children to learn. They need to be taught how to think through problems and deal with real world consequences.
*Teach them how to think, not what to think.
Are you a karaoke parent? Do you want to be your child's buddy? Our kids have enough buddies, what they really need are parents. Even if that means they might not like you very much for a few days.
Are you a drycleaner parent? Do you drop your kids off with professionals (church, sport activities, etc.) and expect those professionals to mentor your kids and teach them? It is not a question of spending quality time or quantity of time, they need both. Our kids need us to be face to face parents and they need us to be consistent. We are their number one mentors.
Are you a volcano parent? All emotion because you are so wrapped up in your child? If your child fails a test, are you on the phone erupting all over the teacher? This type of parenting is usually more about the parent's past then the child.
Are you a dropout? Parenting got a little rough and you checked out.
How about a bullied parent? Has your strong willed child's repeated rebellion wore you down and you've decided to just accept it and find peace in giving up the fight?
What about a groupie parent? Do you follow your child around and cater to their every whim? Yes we are stewards to our children, but our role is to grow them into God fearing, independent members of society.
There are a few more styles mentioned in the book but I'm sure you get the point.
I've seen myself in all of these categories at various times :(
Parenting requires balance and this is not always easy to maintain. I always go back to one of my favorite Bible verses, 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Thankfully God loves me and my children and knows I have their best interests at heart even when I mess up.
The key to take away from this - Be responsive to your kids, show them support, patience, love... but also be demanding. Establish boundaries, be willing to let them fail, and be consistent. Tell them "I believe in you and you can do this!" Don't give up or get discouraged, God has you covered!!!
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