Season 4, Episode 2
Four Foundational Responsibilities of Christian Adoptive Parents
Today we're discussing the foundational responsibilities of parenting: protection, provision, and guidance. Plus, particularly if you are a Christian it is crucial to pray for each of your children and your family persistently.
#1 - Protection is about keeping your children safe from physical or psychological harm. It can involve a variety of issues that can come up such as shielding them from dangers such as drugs and alcohol, protecting their innocence in terms of exposure to inappropriate topics or activities, providing physical boundaries around the home, enforcing rules that keep your kids away from potentially dangerous situations, setting limits on screen time and internet usage, and more. If this all sounds overwhelming, I totally get it. And I’ll remind you of the old saying, “Don’t borrow trouble” a biblical principle found in Jesus’ famous “Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew 6:34 –
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
#2 - Provision is the responsibility of meeting your child's basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care. As an adoptive parent it is especially important that you are able to meet these needs as they may have had difficulty accessing them in the past. Being able to provide a stable home environment with consistent routines can help foster feelings of security and belonging for your adopted child.
However this can be a long process and not automatic. YOU may know you’ll be a stable and consistent provider, but the pre-programming of instability and lack that may be a part of your child’s history can take longer to overwrite and may not be completely overwritten for years.
#3 - Guidance is about teaching your children how to become independent adults who make wise decisions. It involves setting expectations for behavior so that kids understand what is expected of them at home and in society at large. It requires modeling appropriate behavior yourself, being mindful of how you speak to them, disciplining with caring respect. Guidance is basically showing the way forward in the desired direction, helping them stay on the best path.
>> What guidance is not:
Parental guidance is certainly important in helping children develop into well-rounded adults, but guidance is not a guarantee that they will make the right choices. Everyone has their own unique life experiences and beliefs, and even with the best of intentions parents cannot control or dictate every decision their adopted child may make. Ultimately, as they grow and age into teens and young adults, your children must be free to explore their own paths and learn from their mistakes so that they can form their own opinions and values.
#4 - Persistent Prayer. When it comes to praying for our children in order to make persistent and continual prayer a fixture in your life to have a firm commitment and to be intentional about making prayer a daily habit and practice.
Taking on the roles of protector, provider and guide can seem overwhelming at times. But remember you’re not alone. And God is the ultimate Protector, Provider and Guide for your children as well as you! If you don’t have a consistent pattern of prayer, it’s a good time to start making that a daily practice. Remember that every day presents new challenges so don't hesitate to reach out for help if needed!
QUESTION:
Which of the the four foundational commitments discussed is the most challenging for you?
And as always,
keep learning, keep growing & keep loving.
💜🩷♥️
Dawn
______________________________________________________
Post Adoption (Mom) Coach
“STANDING IN THE GAP FOR 2ND MOMS”
Dawn Baggett is a podcaster and thought leader in Christian post adoption. As a Certified LifeMapping(R) Coach, Dawn helps Christian adoptive moms navigate the challenges of their non-traditional families with their own brand of success!
DISCLAIMER: I’m a coach, not a doctor nor a therapist. As a coach I do not offer mental or medical health diagnosis, treatment or cures. Furthermore, I am no longer a practicing attorney and do not offer individual legal advice. For individual advice related to your own personal situation I recommend you seek out an appropriate professional. Coaching may fill a spot in your overall support network.
—
Copyright © 2024 Dawn T. Baggett, JD & Legacy Living, LLC - All rights reserved
—
