Some of the most important things in life cannot be bought, like time and love. If you want to measure the quality of life, measure the quality and depth of relationships. One of the most treasured relationships are between parents and kids. Both parents and kids desire transparent, loving relationships. In a world saturated with distractions, we are faced with bigger challenges than ever to maintain flourishing relationships. Somebody once said, “Love is spelled, time.”

Consider the following acronym for your parent kid relationships.

T–IME together on purpose!

If we truly desire healthy, loving relationships with our kids then we must have some quality time together.

This time can have many forms but the function is to share experiences and create lasting memories!

It should be flexible and fun. Simply be together and listen to each other. The Bible tells us “to make the most of our time” and when we invest our time in our kids we can experience some of the greatest joy in life!

I-NVEST in the desires of their heart. To do this we must know our kids’ hearts. Drop by drop, let your child know you believe in them. This is one of the most powerful things a parent can do especially if it is genuine and consistent. When a kid is supported with genuine belief from the parent, deeper relationships and character development can grow. Jesus describes love in 1st Corinthians 13 first with the adjective patient! Good relationships take time and lots of love, so be patient!

M-AKE sure you enjoy the simplest things together like: laughing, playing, singing, watching the beauty of creation, being grateful, sitting down for iced tea, going on spontaneous trips, writing silly cards and notes to each other, etc.

E-NTER each other’s world with Grace because healthy relationships are not all about us. When your kid says, “come here and try this” go and try it.

Entering into each other’s worlds can help our relationships grow. It says, “I heard you, I respect you, I love you enough to do this even though it may not be my favorite thing.”

The Lord has brilliantly put different personalities (our kids) in our lives to help us grow and be more understanding and forgiving.

Ephesians 5:15-16
“Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”

-Brad Hering
Speaker for 2019 Dad & Me Weekend