3 Days To A Realistic Home With The Better Mom DevotionalSample

Expecting Progress, Not Perfection

Are your expectations for your kids too high? It’s okay to have high standards for our kids. We should call them to live up to all that God has for them and desires for them. But expecting too much, too soon, can be unhealthy for our kids and unhealthy for us as well. Instead, we should be patient, focusing on progress, not perfection.

Unrealistic expectations may leave our kids feeling deflated and defeated. Our desire for perfection teaches our kids that they are loved only when they are performing well. Just as we do, our kids are going to make mistakes. They’re going to choose foolishly instead of wisely. At times they’ll listen to our coaching or counsel, but many times they won’t. Our kids are still in the process of growing up.

The Bible reminds us that there is a time to warn, challenge, encourage, help, instruct, and even discipline. Our goal is not just to raise good kids; our goal is to raise kids who will love Jesus and love the world. But this calling is not entirely ours. The same grace that saved us is the same grace that will grip our kids’ hearts. It is God’s goodness and not our great parenting that ultimately changes our kids’ hearts. We have a part to play, for sure. But remaining patient with our kids allows us to do our part while trusting God to do His.

So keep loving and teaching your kids. Don’t become complacent. Be realistic. Be patient. Remember who is at work in and through your parenting.

Father, thank You for being patient with me. Help me love and care for my kids in a way that is patient, kind, and wise. Remind me that perfection is found only in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

• Are there areas where you expect too much from your kids?

• How can you be more patient, focusing on progress instead of perfection?