Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Parenting often feels like a long walk through unfamiliar territory.

Some days are filled with joy: tiny arms wrapped around your neck, bedtime stories, first steps, and moments of wonder. Other days feel more like a battlefield—discipline, defiance, fatigue, and the ever-present question: “Am I doing this right?”

When we read, “Train up a child in the way he should go…” (Proverbs 22:6), it’s easy to nod in agreement. It sounds so straightforward, doesn’t it? But if we’re honest, parenting is anything but simple.

This verse isn’t a magic formula or a guarantee. It’s a principle of wisdom, not a promise. It reminds us that the time, love, and values we pour into our children form the foundation of their lives. And often, we won’t see the fruit of that investment until much later.

I have the joy (and the challenge!) of parenting two very different personalities. One is a natural rule-follower who rarely needs correction. The other is a boundary-tester, constantly exploring how far he can go before someone reels him back in. Despite their differences—and the distinct parenting approaches each one requires—I know this for certain: both of my children will make mistakes. They’ll get hurt. They’ll hurt others. They’ll fail, and they’ll succeed. They’ll choose easy paths, and they’ll choose difficult ones.

As a mom, it’s hard knowing I can’t control the outcome. I just want to protect them forever—but realistically, I can’t. And honestly, I think that’s a good thing.

To navigate their own faith journeys, my kids will need to walk through real experiences. Yes, I’ll offer wisdom, and I pray they listen. But I also recognize that some of the most lasting lessons are learned through living, not just listening. I don’t want to rob them of the chance to discover how faithful God is—even in the struggle.

So what can I do?

I can lay a strong foundation while they’re still under my roof. That looks like nighttime prayers and gentle correction. It’s leading by example—showing up for others, praying with them and for them, and giving our time to those in need. It means being vulnerable, fully relying on God when life feels uncertain, and asking for forgiveness when I get it wrong.

Teaching our children to follow Jesus isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about modeling a real, authentic relationship with the Father. And when I fail—as every parent does—I can show them what it looks like to come to Jesus, mistakes and all.

Maybe today you’re questioning your parenting. Maybe you’re exhausted or discouraged by what feels like slow progress. Maybe you’re waiting for your child to return to his foundation and remember what he was taught. Take heart. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to keep showing up. Keep planting seeds. Keep loving deeply, correcting gently, and modeling the grace of Jesus.

Your kids don’t need a perfect parent.

They need a present one—someone who walks humbly with God and isn’t afraid to start over when necessary.

So press on, friend.

Your faithful, imperfect parenting is building something eternal—one bedtime prayer, one teachable moment, one “I’m sorry” at a time.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.