Reagan often carries other items as well. She carries worry about the last test she took and her hair – that’s important stuff for a 13 year-old. Reagan also carries a desire to be a good cheerleader, to have friends and thoughts about boys I don’t even want to know about. There are times that these burdens can become too heavy for her to bear. It is important that I come along side her and help when this happens.

Paul encourages us to "Carry each other's burden, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). As parents this admonition includes our children. We should help our children with the struggles of life. However, Paul goes on to tell us "For each one should carry his own load" (Galatians 6:5). According to this verse, there are some areas that each of us much shoulder alone. Children are not excluded. There is the temptation for many parents to be over-involved in their child's life. This can be frustrating to the parent and the child.

There are many areas of a child’s life that they must be responsible for. A parent who tries to help in these areas will frustrate the child and delay their maturity. Children learn by doing and at times making mistakes. The wise parent knows when to step in and when to allow the child to go it alone.

A do feel sorry for Reagan when I drop her off at school carrying her heavy bags. However, if I were to try to help her carry her stuff to class each day, she would be mortified. Daddy carrying your backpack down the hall is not cool. So each day I just watch her load up and head off to school. I also watch her as she handles her homework, friendships, relationship with teachers and many other areas. Sometimes I want to jump in, but in reality it is her job. I need to just be an advisor and only step in if the burden is too much for her to bear.


2. Parenting Verse of the Week

Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did – they’ll turn out delightful to live with.
Proverbs 29:17 The Message

3. Helpful Quotes for Parents (And There Kids)

One person with commitment, persistence, and endurance will accomplish more than a thousand people with interest alone.
John Mason

4. Don’t Take Yourself to Seriously

It would seem that something which means poverty, disorder and violence every single day should be avoided entirely, but the desire to beget children is a natural urge.
Phyllis Diller

5. Featured Resource

In their new book, 1-2-3 Magic for Christian Parents: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12, author, pastor and National Certified Counselor Chris Webb teams up with experienced psychologist and author Dr. Tom Phelan. They offer families three simple steps that will empower parents, restore order to any household and pave the way for parents to enjoy their children again.

Purchase Today at familycoachingclinic.com

6. Chris’ Upcoming Events

October 1 – The Debbie Chaviz Show WGMI – Seattle, WA
October 2 – The Harvest WHT South Bend, IN – South Bend, IN
October 3 – Homeroom WAFG – Miami, FL
October 5-7 – Fall Festival of Marriage – Glorietta, NM

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