Pre-Parental Counseling #1

Yesterday we met with Pastor Josh and Rochelle to talk with them about Parenting for the first time. We've asked them to sit with us periodically to discuss what they have learned about parenting, raising children who love the Lord, growing personally in our Faith, and keeping our marriage strong as we prepare to become parents.

During our first meeting we discussed:

• Parenting a sinner--we are all sinners and need to parent in the light of God's grace and forgiveness
• Letting go of our pre-conceived expectations for our child's life and letting them be who God created them to be
• Being consistent in rules and discipline
• Communicating carefully as parents
• Giving a child the time and attention he/she craves before expecting him/her to be content to play independently
• Super Nanny--parents have the ability and responsability to make changes when one strategy is not working
• Parenting books--sometimes a helpful resource, but it's important to rely on our own parental instincts when making decisions about our family

We hope to meet with them several more times to glean as much wisdom from them as we can. We will also be seeking advice and wisdom from many other wise and experienced parents as we "wait" for our child to come home to us.