I never, ever know if I’m doing this parenting thing right.

In my school days, getting good grades came naturally to me (with the exception of handwriting) and it gave me great satisfaction to receive positive scores for my work. I now realize there’s a whole lot wrong with this picture. Life is about more than report cards.

Still, what I wouldn’t give for God to pass me a slip of paper, in his handwriting like we read about with the original stone tablets on Mt. Sinai, giving me a parenting grade. I bet God would get an A for his handwriting.

We’re not going to receive a grade for the parenting job we do. Not while we’re doing it anyway. I suppose that’s for the best. Still, we all want to do right by our kids. I’m constantly asking God to help me do that. How can we parent our daughter with excellence?

He keeps whispering one word into the depths of my soul:

Jesus.

We must tell our kids about Jesus. Not just the stories they’ll learn about in Sunday School. Teach them that Jesus is every answer. Any situation they find themselves in throughout their days, they can call upon Jesus. He’s much more than a character in the Bible. 

He is I AM.

Present in every circumstance. Victorious over every battle. Grace every time we fall.

Talk to your kids about Jesus. What he does in your life. How he can work in theirs.

My daughter asked me the other day

Why do people say bad words so much?

We’re trying to teach our children to speak uplifting, encouraging words but none of us do that perfectly. I don’t focus on how people are wrong to say certain words or even speak in particular tones (she's learning that). We spend little time discussing how it’s not her place to correct people.

God has taught me to use this as an opportunity to point her back to Jesus.

Let’s not put all our focus on the bad words that come out of a person’s mouth. Instead, we can pray for that person to love Jesus more. Then Jesus will change their habits.

Pray for God to show you ways to fill your children up with Jesus. He’s our Great Provider.

I’m finding many opportunities throughout our day to talk about spiritual things. We started a new devotional book this year. I read it to her at the breakfast table. Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young.

These devotions aren’t light reading material. Today reminded us not to compare ourselves with others. God has a unique path for each of us. What an excellent conversation starter!

Most days, I drive Allie down to the end of our driveway to meet the school bus. It gives us about five minutes in the car before she’s off to school. Priscilla Shirer gave me an idea in one of her Bible studies. I send Allie off with a spiritual reminder.

These days, we’re going through the Spiritual fruit found in Galatians 5:22-23. Every day, we go through the list and I speak a different fruit over her. 

Today, show... Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness or self control.

She was excited when joy fell on the day of her Valentine’s party. 

Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

When it’s her day to show peace or patience, things get a bit more complicated. Can I get an amen? On these days, she often mentions a little boy in her class who she struggles with. 

We talk about two things. First, none of us are very patient or peaceful on our own. But this fruit comes from the Holy Spirit. She can pray for his help.

Finally, she needs to remember God made this little boy. He has a specific purpose for him. She can watch for what that might be. She can point out the good. She can usher in patience and peace. I shared with her how sometimes it helps if I count to ten before I say something when I’m angry or annoyed.

I’m reminded, first of all, to actually remember to do this. Then I offer up thanks to God for the teaching opportunity I just had with my daughter. I ask for continued wisdom for the right words to speak.

Together, we keep finding more of Jesus.