2023-12-10 A Cantonese mom

A very encouraging testimony from Cantonese mom. With her permission we shared here:

I had the privilege of participating in the parenting class for the second time. I attended the first parenting class last season and found it extremely beneficial, so I'm bringing my parents to join me this time. Since we live together, they play an important role in my parenting journey. I hope that by attending this class, we can address some conflicts that have arisen due to differences in parenting styles between my spouse and me, as well as my parents.

While I understand that my boys are an inheritance from the Lord, and my earthly responsibility is to love them and guide them in the right direction, the challenges have been much more significant than I expected. As my boys approach their teenage years, the challenges have escalated. The once obedient and sweet boys have become unresponsive, talk back, or distant. They are also being negatively influenced by what they encounter at school. I have felt frustrated and helpless witnessing their changes. It's like watching my boys teeter on the edge of a cliff, and I couldn't do anything to save them. I prayed to God for help, and He answered my prayers by providing this parenting class.

Through the class, I realized that I had been treating my children as if they were possessions, taking on too many responsibilities as a parent. I learned that my role as a parent is to be a companion to my boys and provide support when they need it. Each of my sons was fearfully and wonderfully created by God, possessing their own unique personalities and gifts. I've learned to accept and respect them for who they are. The attributes or personalities I once saw as weaknesses are actually their unique creations by God. I've learned to respect these differences and have more patience with my sons. I now spend more time listening and communicating with them rather than giving orders and expecting them to conform to my exact expectations.

The class has taught me many valuable lessons, but the one that struck me the most is that I have gained a better understanding of myself. My family history and my relationship with my own parents have also shaped my parenting style. I'm humbled by the fact that there is so much to learn in order to raise capable children beyond simply being a parent.

I enjoy attending the parenting class for a couple of reasons:

Each session is well thought out and practical. The best part is that each topic is supported by Biblical truth. As parents, we need to be connected to our source of love, God, for guidance and direction.

The counselors are very encouraging and supportive. I see them as successful parents, but they are genuinely open about their own parenting experiences and failures. It gives me hope that I can also be a successful parent with God's help.

I truly enjoy the group discussions. We have had some sincere sharing, and I've learned great tips from other parents about parenting. Everyone is open about the various challenges we face as parents, and we support each other. Through their sharing, I feel that I am not alone in this parenting journey.

If I could make one suggestion for this parenting class, it would be to have periodic follow-up sessions, perhaps quarterly or semi-annually, to check in on how everyone is doing with the skills we've learned so that parents can continue to support each other.