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Forging a Family of Friends

Calgary FamiliesFive Increasing TrendsMore lone parent familiesMore single dadsMore common law couplesMore same sex couplesMore and more young adult children (20-29) at home

Crisis Response2010 6636 calls per month

Over 200 calls per day in Calgary!Positive outcome Predictors

Ephesians 6:1-4Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise that is may go well with you and that you enjoy long life on the earth. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Goal of ParentingTo disciple children into fully independent adults, who love and serve God, and with whom we have a friendship.Phases of Parenting 1. Discipline Years ages 0-52. Training Years ages 6-123. Coaching Years ages 13-174. Friendship Years ages 18+

Phases of Parenting 1. Discipline Years ages 0-5Key danger - inconsistency2. Training Years ages 6-12Key danger trying to be friends too early3. Coaching Years ages 13-17Key danger Discipline that embitters4. Friendship Years ages 18+Key danger controlling instead of letting go

Ephesians 6:1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this right.

Damaging Dynamics Deserve Discipline

Damaging Dynamics Deserve Discipline3 Things that deserve the harshest correction:Disobedience (Defiance)Damaging Dynamics Deserve Discipline3 Things that deserve the harshest correction:Disobedience (Defiance)DishonestyDamaging Dynamics Deserve Discipline3 Things that deserve the harshest correction:Disobedience (Defiance)DishonestyDisrespectThe positivesEphesians 6:2,3Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise that is may go well with you and that you enjoy long life on the earth.

Big Questions???The Promises

HappinessThe PromisesUnity

The PromisesEnjoy long life

Wally and the horse

Ephesians 6:4Fathers, do not exasperate your children;

What exasperates children?Unrealistic expectationsWhat exasperates children?Unrealistic expectationsCriticismWhat exasperates children?Unrealistic expectationsCriticismExcessive, unclear, or inconsistent rulesWhat exasperates children?Unrealistic expectationsCriticismExcessive, unclear, or inconsistent rulesBeing treated as less mature than you areEphesians 6:4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

How can parents effectively train their children?

How can parents effectively train their children?Modeling

How can parents effectively train their children?2. Clear, realistic expectations with clear consequences

How can parents effectively train their children?3. Compassionate discipline

The importance of a dad

How can parents effectively train their children?4. Using influence

How can parents effectively train their children?5. Aspire to excellence

Parenting has great rewards

Best Parent