To truly embrace lighthouse parenting, we as Christian parents need to also embrace a scripture in James that a LOT of us like to give the side-eye (me included!)
2 Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (ESV)
Not only do WE not want to suffer, we REALLY don’t want our kids to suffer (because of course it’s WAY harder to watch them hurt than for us to hurt ourselves. Their suffering is ours as well.) But the truth is, our kids need trials, struggles, and tests to develop into capable adults. They need to develop problem-solving skills, face natural consequences, and learn to lean on the Lord when they need help.
Are you ready to be a lighthouse parent? I’ll be honest, for me, the struggle will be VERY real, but I am committed to being the parent my kids’ deserve—and that’s one that is a shining guiding light, not a noisy hovering machine.
For more from Dr. Elmore, check out his book: 12 Huge Mistakes Parents Can Avoid: Leading your kids to succeed in life and his website Growing Leaders.
