Parenting: Guiding Your “Kite” to Soar

Parents are intended to be loving teachers who exert a powerful influence in the lives of their children.

Kids, on the other hand, are like kites—struggling to become airborne yet needing to be tethered to the stability of a strong hand by a string. Kites are not designed to be possessively protected inside the home, slamming against walls or colliding with ceilings while trying to reach new heights. Indeed, parenting requires the same careful balance of providing guidance and promoting independence. Although separation can feel painful, God designed your role as a parent to prepare your “kite” for flight—that is, to ensure your child is ready to soar.

As the fragile frame dips and dives, don’t be emotionally torn by the changing winds of circumstances. Keep running with your child, releasing more and more string of control into the hands of your trustworthy Lord.

God-Centered Parenting

Parenting is a divine calling and a God-centered responsibility. God’s plan for the first parents, Adam and Eve, was to reflect His image to their children and the world. As parents today, our purpose remains the same—to raise children who embody godly values and exhibit Christ-like love.

It’s a transformative journey that teaches valuable lessons about oneself and deepens faith. Parents are hardly static figures; they grow and mature alongside their children. The challenges of parenthood mold us, teaching us patience, empathy, and selflessness.

As children grow, parents must adapt their approach to parenting, as every stage presents unique challenges and opportunities for learning. The process of raising a child becomes an opportunity for personal growth and development—for all parties.

The Bible provides essential guidance for parents. Proverbs 22:6 offers a profound reminder to train up a child in the way they should go, ensuring that they stay on the right path even as they get older. This verse emphasizes the importance of laying a strong foundation of values and faith in a child’s life.

Parenthood is a joint effort. Galatians 6:2 calls us to carry each other’s burdens, reinforcing the idea that parents should support and help one another. Navigating the challenges of parenting becomes more manageable when we come together as a team, offering each other encouragement and assistance.

Nurturing Independence and Resilience

It’s essential that parents avoid being overly involved and allow their child space to develop self-confidence and decision-making skills. Parents should shift their focus beyond academic or extracurricular achievements and pay attention to their child’s emotional and character development. Building a strong relationship based on trust and open communication is critical, and creating a safe and nurturing home environment encourages children to freely express their thoughts and feelings. Welcoming and respecting differing views in the household promotes open and meaningful discussions. Parents should resist the urge to rescue their children from every problem, allowing them to learn and grow from their experiences, fostering resilience and problem-solving skills.

Goals for Parents During Child Development

During infancy, parents should focus on creating a secure and nurturing environment, building a strong foundation of trust by meeting the child’s physical needs through tender caressing and cuddling. In toddlerhood, parents should encourage their curiosity while setting age-appropriate boundaries to ensure their safety during their explorations. As adolescents navigate complex decisions, parents can offer guidance through a system of rewards and repercussions to encourage responsible behavior. By the teenage years, parents should play a crucial role in nurturing their children’s identities and beliefs by encouraging critical thinking and introducing positive role models to inspire their growth.

Indeed, parenting is a sacred journey, guiding your “kite” to soar by striking a balance between providing direction and promoting independence. Embracing God-centered parenting and avoiding problematic tactics while nurturing open communication will help your child grow into their best self.

To learn more about Christ-like parenting and other Keys for Living, visit UHSM partner Hope for the Heart.