Biblical Parenting

Parenting is a God-given assignment that brings both immense reward and intense struggle. In this 12-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll provides a biblical “lifeline” for parents at every stage of the journey. From understanding the unique “bents” of a child to navigating the complexities of adult children and personal failure, these messages offer practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement. The goal is not just to survive the parenting years, but to shape the next generation with grace, wisdom, and intentionality.

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1. Discovering Your Child and Yourself

• Overview: Explores the “mixed blessing” of parenting. Chuck emphasizes that before we can truly understand our children, we must understand ourselves—including our own motivations, fears, and the spiritual heritage we bring to the table.
• Key Fact: Effective parenting is a journey of self-discovery as much as child-discovery.

2. The Bents in Your Baby (Proverbs 22:6)

• Overview: A deep dive into the most famous verse on parenting. Chuck clarifies that training a child “in the way he should go” means identifying and honoring the unique, God-given “bent” (personality/gifts) of each individual child.
• Key Fact: Parenting is not a “cookie-cutter” process; it requires careful observation of how God has uniquely wired each child.
• Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

3. Straightening Granddad’s Bent

• Overview: Addresses the generational patterns that can influence parenting. Chuck discusses how to stop the cycle of negative “bents” passed down from previous generations and replace them with biblical health.
• Key Fact: You are not a prisoner to your family tree; through Christ, you can “straighten” the path for your own children.

4. Unpacking Our ”Ancestral Baggage”

• Overview: Continues the study of generational influence, focusing on the specific emotional and spiritual “baggage” parents carry. Chuck provides steps for letting go of the past to parent freely in the present.
• Key Fact: Unpacking baggage involves honest confession and a commitment to new, grace-filled family traditions.

5. Shaping the Will with Wisdom

• Overview: Focuses on the difference between breaking a child’s spirit and shaping their will. Chuck offers biblical guidelines for discipline that is firm, fair, and motivated by love rather than anger.
• Key Fact: Wisdom knows when to hold the line and when to extend a hand of grace.

6. Delighting in Your Children

• Overview: A call to enjoy the parenting journey! Chuck reminds parents that children are a heritage and a reward, urging them to move past the “stress” of parenting to find genuine delight in their kids.
• Key Fact: A child who knows they are “delighted in” develops a healthy sense of security and worth.
• Scripture: Psalm 127:3 – “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.”

7. Delightful Memories Your Children Won’t Forget

• Overview: Encourages parents to be intentional about creating positive, lasting memories. Chuck shares practical ideas for traditions and shared moments that build a strong family identity.
• Key Fact: It’s the “small things”—laughter, shared meals, and simple traditions—that often leave the deepest mark on a child’s soul.

8. When the Fun Stops for Parents

• Overview: Addresses the “straight-talk” seasons of parenting, particularly when dealing with rebellion or difficult choices in older children.
• Key Fact: “Tough love” is sometimes necessary to allow a child to experience the natural consequences of their actions.

9. Resolving Those Parent-Child Conflicts

• Overview: Provides practical steps for de-escalating friction in the home. Chuck emphasizes humility, active listening, and the importance of a parent’s willingness to apologize.
• Key Fact: Conflict is an opportunity for growth when it is handled with biblical reconciliation in mind.

10. Accepting Reproof from Those Who Love Us

• Overview: A challenging message for parents on being teachable. Chuck discusses the humility required to listen to the perspective of our children and to accept correction when we have been wrong.
• Key Fact: A parent’s teachable spirit is one of the most powerful things they can model for their children.

11. Suggestions for Parenting Grown-Up Kids

• Overview: Navigating the shift from “control” to “influence.” Chuck offers wisdom for parents of adult children, emphasizing boundaries, respect, and the power of prayer.
• Key Fact: Your role changes as children grow, but your influence remains through a respectful, adult relationship.

12. What to Do When You’ve Blown It

• Overview: The series concludes with a message for the “imperfect” parent. Chuck provides comfort and a path forward for those who feel they have failed, reminding us that God’s grace covers our parenting mistakes.
• Key Fact: There are no perfect parents; there is only a perfect God who can redeem our failures.