Let’s be honest. This should have probably just been titled Tips for Parents… busyness just part of the parenting lifestyle. You are probably thinking right now, “Do I have time to read this? Maybe I can just skim down to the tips and get back to holding a needy baby … or preparing 3 different lunches … or ‘cleaning’ something with a baby wipe … or restarting Baby Shark for the 42nd time today … or ultimately just trying to regain some sanity.”

The goal is for you to be able to read this entire blog in the 3 minutes you have while hiding in the bathroom. So let’s just jump to it!

Tip #1. Surround yourself with worship music.

Philippians 4:8 “… whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Whether you want to admit it or not, what you listen to (or watch) affects your mind, your mouth, and ultimately your heart. So filling your space with non-stop worship music will help you to “think about such things.” It gives you a little more Jesus, and can more easily set you up to think about Jesus first when frustration comes, rather than a flippant response to your kids or spouse.

Tip #2. Plan ahead whenever you can.

Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

This is easier said than done. But if you suddenly have an inspiring moment to focus on getting ready for later today or even tomorrow, thank God for that boost and don’t waste it. Go pick out the next outfits for getting out of the house. Repack a bag. Meal prep - whether that means actually making meals for the week, or creating a grocery list with meals in mind, or just planning on what restaurant the family will be eating dinner at tonight.

Tip #3. Get rid of clutter.

1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace…”

We all want more peace, right? So simply put: the less you have, the less you have to manage! Do what you can to create a house of peace. According to the LA Times, an average American has over 300,000 items in their home. We don’t need all those things in our home and it would do us well to give some away to create a house of peace.

Tip #4. Ask for Help!

Psalm 121:2 “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

From others: Part of our job is to be there for you. Galatians 6:2 tell us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” In Ecclesiastes it says, “... but pity anyone who has no one to help them up.” You are going to need to be helped up at some point, so be ready to ask for help … and be ready to help someone else when they ask. You weren’t designed to go through life alone.

From your kids: Give them chores (especially when they are younger and find joy in being helpful). There is a principle in Proverbs 22 that says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” So maybe they will thank you for it later in life (because we know for sure they won’t now).

From God: There are many scriptures in the Bible that tell us we should rely on God. Simply put, pray. 

• Psalm 121:2, "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
• John 5:16, "… The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
• Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
• James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

If you are wanting to get connected with other parents, think about joining a Vineyard Group or starting one for parents like you.  

 

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This post was written by a group of volunteer writers who strive to share God's truth through an online platform, but may not reflect the views of The Vineyard Church as a whole. To learn how you can get involved, email us at

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