Mikki's blog

reprinted with permission by Empowering Parents. For more information visit, www.empoweringparents.com

reprinted with permission from Empowering Parents. For more information, visit www.empoweringparents.com

For Immediate Release

Whether they are on the school campus or online, the relationships our kids build today are the foundation of those to come. As parents it is our responsibility to have boundaries in place to appropriately guide our children in this natural phase of development.

Society today focuses on "modern parenting," constantly broadcasting ways for parents to respect their children's individuality.  How to let their kids be themselves.   Allow them to explore the world around them and find out who they are.  Yet few supporters of modern parenting offer solid advice on how to raise a kid with a heart.  A kid that puts others before themselves.  A kid that strives to obey his/her parents.  A kid that respects limits.

Parenting has never been as challenging as it is today, specifically as is reflected by recent trends and changes in teen behavior and how parents respond to it. Teens today are more aware of almost every sphere of life - technology, education, careers, science, drugs, relationships, and independence. While teens are more aware, open and extrovert as compared to earlier generations, there is a noticeable lack of moral standards.

Raising teenagers is often assumed to require "a stand back approach" in our discipline and guidance. Parents are discouraged from strict discipline and direction of their teens behavior. We live in a time where parents are encouraged to let their teens be who they are and accept them no matter what.

Accept them no matter what? So your teen comes home with her tongue pierced and purple hair. She's just expressing herself right?

Wrong!

I know Parenting Today can seem overwhelming and scary. When we hear the news and horror stories that are plaguing our schools and neighborhoods we often feel discouraged. Many couples are actually deciding to not have children at all.

Is this really the solution? Granted some couples may not feel empowered enough to successfully raise kids in our current society. They may fear that they will fail in protecting their children from the corruption that has become so predominant.

With so many parenting styles to choose from it is no wonder so many people find themselves unsure of how to proceed. Many families wait until they are having problems to start seeking advice from experienced parents. Others try to implement new skills and fall short without knowing why. Some families just don't know where to turn for help.

Developing your approach to parenting is more than selecting between parenting styles. It is more than taking a parenting class or attending a seminar. It is a lifestyle.

Developing your independent Bible study is a process of preparation and determination. If you set out to just "read from the Bible" each day you may find yourself indifferent or even bored with the flow of your study. You may reflect on your readings and realize that you don't feel you have gained much information. The best solution to this, especially if you are just starting out as a student of the Bible, is to utilize the countless resources available to enhance your study.

Find A Quality Independent Bible Study Course

A new parenting method that has become mainstream as it swarmed our culture is one that promotes a philosophy of including children in traditional parental tasks. Parents have developed an approach that allows child participation in every aspect of parenting. They want thier children involved in decision making and rule setting. They want their children to feel like a part of the family development and gain a sense of independence. They want to allow their children to feel empowered in the family and community around them.