Fearless Parenting Seminar

Rich and I, together with some couple friends, attended the Fearless Parenting seminar by Pastor Greg Mitchell last week.  This was organized by Victory Fort.  Whenever there are opportunities like this (parenting and marriage seminar), I would take advantage and attend because I know I would learn a lot and more importantly, feel encouraged to deal with these important responsibilities.

Pastor Mitchell is from the Every Nation Vancouver church and has spent years developing the material for this seminar, but it's really "birthed out of seeking God's wisdom, love and faith in parenting" his own children.  He has eight of them - 3 biological, 1 adopted and 4 foster kids.  Talk about someone with parenting experience!

Pastor Mitchell defined fearless parenting as to be both present and peaceful.  He talked about anxiety, that it's a chosen response and how one can practice not being anxious when dealing with different issues of parenting.  He stressed that it is more important to build the relationship and touch the heart rather than address misbehavior (but there's also a section on discipline).  And that parents should learn to really listen because good listening is at the heart of healthy parenting.

Between the topics on Purpose, Priority, Passion and Process, there were also discussions among the attendees.  It was short though and we could not get a very good conversation going because of time constraints but what I got out of it was, we parent in so many different ways.  I read somewhere that there are as many parenting styles as there are parents.  True!  And I would even multiply children to that equation because the parenting style needs to adjust to the child's age and personality as well.  But it all stems from love and desire to nurture our children the best way we can.

5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. -- Deuteronomy 6:5-7



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