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Letting Your Children Go

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh"
Matthew 19:5

It was God who came up with the idea of children leaving home. Parent, when your role changes, don’t lose your perspective and give in to resentment and self-pity. The worst thing you can do is make your children feel 'guilty' about growing up. They were born to fly; if they can't, what does that say about you? When your role changes, move gracefully from sovereign to advisor. That's not disrespect - it's order. Your children are supposed to have what it takes to succeed on their own; the question is, do you? And don’t analyze or attack those who are now part of your child’s adult life. It's so easy to become judgmental when you're no longer in control. Don't do it! Nobody’s attracted to a critic. You’ll push them away. Don’t lose your head; you've too much invested in the relationship. Whether you’re resentful because you gave so much and seem to be getting back so little or you genuinely don’t approve of their choices, prayer is a better option than bickering. Talk to God about it. He can change what you can’t! Your children would be ill-equipped for life if they’d grown up physically but not developed their own opinions and uniqueness. You’re entitled to your thoughts, but once you’ve expressed them, respect their choices and support them the best you can. Don’t allow the enemy to rob you of your investment in them. The best thing you can do now is to love them, pray for them and ‘be there’ when they need you. Okay?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me understand that my children are really YOUR children, entrusted to me for a time. Help me let go – and trust you and them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen