Prodigal Parent ProcessSýnishorn

Protecting Your Marriage

As a prodigal parent, you both have experienced trauma as a result of your prodigal’s choices. I have seen parents of prodigals exhibit symptoms of depression, PTSD, or unhealthily medicate through abuse of substances, social media, making themselves so busy that they don’t think of their prodigal, and more.

Your convenant is to love, honor, and cherish your spouse. Ephesians 5:33 states, “…however, each of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”

Keeping your marriage a priority during the season your child is choosing to be a prodigal is very important. You must remember, neither you or your spouse is responsible for your child’s choice to be a prodigal.

As a Christian counselor for over 30 years and an author of several marriage books, I am going to share with you some basics that need to stay concerted during this season for your marriage to navigate through this prodigal season with as little damage as possible.

1. Go on dates no less than two times a month. While you are on your date, do not discuss your prodigal.

2. Bring God into your marriage by praying to God together daily. Seeking Him for guidance and wisdom during this season is critical.  

3. Talk about your feelings about your life, not just about your prodigal. 

4. Praise each other daily. Focus daily on the positive your spouse is in your life. 

5. Make sure your physical union is consistent and agreed upon. Your spouse needs physical touch and intimacy. 

6. Be kind “one to another”. You will need all the fruits of the Spirit, and so will your spouse. Practice, practice, practice being patient, kind, long-suffering with your spouse. 

Remember, in this process, your spouse is an ally. Your spouse and your marriage need to stay a priority in this season of being a parent of a prodigal. 

To receive free support or to learn more about your Biblical process as a prodigal parent, click here.