Perhaps the most challenging aspect of becoming a parent is not the act of giving birth or even providing materially for our children, but rather the profound responsibility of raising them well. In today's world, there are countless books, podcasts, and diverse opinions about parenting, yet no single, foolproof formula exists that guarantees we are doing it "right." This leaves many parents searching for deeper meaning and effective strategies.
A Foundation of Discipline and Simplicity
I was raised in a home where discipline was administered quietly but with firm conviction. We ate whatever was placed on the table, including vegetables, without any complaints allowed. My parents did not purchase what we merely wanted; instead, they bought only what we needed, always keeping a careful eye on the budget. This environment taught us to live simply and cultivate patience. We learned not to demand things but to wait for them. From a young age, I understood that if we desired something, we had to work diligently to earn it.
Lessons from the Coffee Farm
I vividly recall our weekends spent at the coffee farm, where we worked as part-time harvesters. For every big biscuit can of coffee beans we collected, we earned ₱20—a sum that felt like a fortune during those times. Through this experience, we were trained to work hard, endure challenges, and maintain discipline. However, while our character was being shaped in these practical ways, we were not explicitly taught how to praise or develop a relationship with God.
The Journey into Parenthood
I became a parent at the age of 24—young, inexperienced, and uncertain about what truly constituted "good parenting." Like many new parents, I turned to various books and embraced the concept of gentle parenting. It sounded ideal: loving, calm, and respectful. I implemented this approach with my firstborn son, but over time, I realized something was missing. It wasn't working effectively, not because gentleness is inherently wrong, but because it felt incomplete without a spiritual foundation.
A Divine Answer to Parenting Confusion
In my state of confusion, I turned to God and asked Him to teach me how to parent properly. He answered through His Word, specifically Proverbs 22:6: "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." This verse fundamentally shifted my perspective on parenting. I came to understand that parenting is not merely about managing behavior or enforcing rules; it is about shaping the heart. It involves planting seeds of values, faith, and godly principles early in a child's life—seeds that will take root and grow, even if we do not immediately see the fruit.
The Essence of Godly Parenting
Godly parenting calls us to lead by example: demonstrating love, patience, kindness, and obedience to God in our everyday lives. Children may forget the lectures we give, but they will remember how we lived out our faith before them. The influence we exert now, especially during their formative years, has a lasting impact, guiding them even when they stumble or wander for a season.
Reflecting on Legacy in a Fast-Paced World
In a fast-paced world filled with noise, pressure, and endless distractions, this truth invites us to pause and reflect deeply. What kind of legacy are we building for our children? Are we merely reacting to chaos, or are we intentionally guiding them with purpose and prayer? Gentle parenting certainly has its place in fostering empathy and respect, but godly parenting provides a clear direction rooted in spiritual values.
The Ultimate Parenting Tip
Raising children anchored in faith—children who know God, love truth, and live with purpose—may be the greatest parenting "tip" we will ever follow. In the end, it is not just about raising good kids, but about nurturing hearts that earnestly seek God. This approach transforms parenting from a series of tasks into a meaningful journey of spiritual growth for both parent and child.
