How to Be an Involved Parent in Today’s World

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If we want a great example of how to nurture, inspire and encourage our kids then we need look no further than the relationship between Jesus and his disciples.

At first this might seem strange, what does Jesus’ relationship with his followers have to do with being a parent? But when we look closely there is so much we can draw from Jesus’ example.

Jesus’ pattern of interacting with his disciples gives us the perfect example of how to hit the right balance between being involved and letting our kids fly – and of course seeing them become everything they are meant to be.

So here are three tips for being an involved parent – Jesus style!

Walk with them

One of the most important things that Jesus’ relationship with his disciples teaches us is the importance of being alongside those we are seeking to nurture.

Jesus invested a huge amount of time in his disciples.  He took them along with him  so that they could watch him and learn from him. He spent time talking with them, listening to them.

Simply doing life alongside our kids can teach them so much. Let them come along and see you in action, even if the action is a trip to the grocery store.

Live life alongside them and allow them to see as much as you can. They will learn and grow from you by simply being there.

Don’t be afraid to teach

The root of the word discipline is, of course, disciple which means ‘to teach’. Jesus was always on the lookout for moments when the disciples had watched him and had questions.

He was always happy to sit down with his disciples and talk with them, exploring the things they didn’t understand and sharing new insights with them.

We have a wealth of knowledge to share with our children, things that are valuable to us that we want them to learn. Whether that is bringing a faith perspective to dilemma they might be facing or suggesting another way of looking at a problem.

Teaching is part of being an involved parent who is seeking to support your kids in finding their way in the world.

Give them their wings

And lastly, Jesus’ relationship with his disciples teaches us that the time always comes when we need to give those we nurture their wings.

The perfect example of this is when Jesus sends out his disciples in Luke 10. They have watched him, learned from him and grown alongside him. Now it is time for them to head out into the world and put into practice all that they have learned.

What is important to notice, however, is that Jesus is right there waiting for them when they come back. He’s there to debrief on everything that happened and to encourage them to get back out there again.

What a great example for us as parents! Jesus offers a powerful example of being a steady presence, there in the background to cheer on and support while also letting our kids get out there and experience the world for themselves.

We only have a limited number of years to get involved and to support and nurture our kids. Jesus gives us a model we can take on for ourselves as we seek to be a truly involved parent.

Jesus’ reward for all his hard work was seeing the transformation of those who followed him. And what better reward for all that hard work as parents than seeing our precious kids fly?