At our church, we have embarked on a focused study on Parenting. With a growing nursery, kids ministry, and youth ministry, we felt now is the time. Over the next few weeks, I hope to post several articles on relating to parenting.

For now, here are 3 Common Mistakes Parents make with their children:

1. HOW WE WERE RAISED. It is a mistake to raise your children the same way you were raised. I hear parents say often “My parents raised me like this, and I turned out ok.” Or they say “it didn’t ruin me.” While we appreciate how parents have raised us, the goal is not merely to raise your kids to be like you. The goal is to raise your kids to be like Jesus. The aim is godliness and Christ-likeness in your children. The goal is to make disciples of Jesus in your home. Don’t settle! Aim to follow God completely in your home and with your children.
2. HOPE FOR THE BEST. It is a mistake to think that doing nothing will turn out well. Many parents have no real plan or strategy with their children. This is a mistake. If you just hope that your kid will turn out great, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. God wants us to be intentional in training and instructing our children.
3. LOOKING AT HOW OTHERS DO IT. It is a mistake to compare your parenting other parents. Every marriage, every home, every child, and every context is different. Comparing yourself to others will often distract you and discourage you. Now certainly there are lots of good examples out there to imitate, but all things considered you should not try to be like other parents. Seek the Lord. Honor Him. Follow His ways. Do your best walking by faith. Don’t compare yourself to other parents.

Ephesians 6:4 says for parents “to raise their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Avoiding these 3 common mistakes in parenting will help you with God-honoring parenting with your children.