Our grown up girls....still goofy. My husband Duane and I are often asked the secrets for how we managed to raise our two daughters and how they turned out to be such amazing and productive Women of God. I always respond by saying that God has blessed us, but there really are some relevant guidelines you can utilize if you wish.
1. Remember and remind your daughter that you are all on the same team. Being on the same team means that your child shows up every single time there is a youth group activity, worship service, mission trip, or other worthwhile church activity or camp. (I know that decision is costly and time consuming but it is essential if your primary desire is that your child follow Christ all the days of her life.) Make certain your daughter can pinpoint when and where she accepted Christ. 2. People matter more than things. This affects the focus of how she treats belongings and others. It also keeps a proper focus on what is important. Duane also applied this to undue harping about clean rooms. His comment was, "Messy rooms are why they made doors!" I'm still not sure about that one, but it did alleviate many potential battles. 3. Let your yea be yea and your nay be nay. My mother always counseled me to say Yes as often as I could, because it's important to have NO mean something. 4. Make sure your daughters are obedient and respectful and accountable when they are two years old. The terrible twos are often a precursor to the rebellious teens and habits formed in childhood stand the test of time. 5. Teach her how to work In the yard and in the house. When company is there and when no one is there. 6. Teach her how to play Go on vacation. You'll build lifelong memories. Eat together as a family. Go on dates. Play games. Talk. 7. Tell her you love her and God loves her The more your daughter knows the love of God and the love of you the less painful those teenage girl drama days will be. 8. Wait Five Minutes. Don't like your daughter's mood? Wait five minutes. I can't promise you'll like that one any better but it'll be different. The key is to not over react. Wait. Try again. We set out to parent our children, but we have been surprised by joy as they have turned into our dear friends.
4 Comments
Heather
1/11/2017 08:44:26 am
I couldn't agree more. You've raised two amazing women. Thank you for sharing your 8 secrets. I find having a daughter is a lot harder than I thought it would be. These pre-teen years are challenging for sure.
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Amy Lindell
1/11/2017 08:48:46 am
Thanks so much for the wisdom. Thirteen and just beginning our journey through the teens!
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Pamala Fleck
1/11/2017 09:08:53 am
Thanks for the words of wisdom:) I will be using this in my arsenal for the next 10 years!!!
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Caralee Hudson
1/11/2017 09:26:03 am
I could hear Sue's voice in every one of those wise tips. The practice of those in the Mattson household obviously paid off.
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About MeI love Jesus. I think my two daughters can change the world. I think you can too. Past Posts
August 2020
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