The Importance of Teamwork in Parenting - Crosswalk Couples Devotional - October 16

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The Importance of Teamwork in Parenting

By: Vivian Bricker

"Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!" (Psalm 133:1)

As a married couple, parenting is not a single-person task. It is based on teamwork. Both the husband and wife need to be involved in the parenting journey. From the day your wife finds out she's pregnant, both spouses need to be intentional in their parenting. When your child is born into the world, it will be met with extreme joy, but also worry. Many parents wonder if they will be good parents, providing everything their children need and helping them grow into confident adults.

The good news is that if you are wondering these things, then you are truly conducting yourself with humility. By wanting to learn more about parenting, seeking the best for your children, and desiring for them to be raised knowing the Lord, you are already on the right path. God is pleased when parents truly love their children and want to see them succeed in life. There are far too many parents who don't care about their children and are uninvolved in their lives.

Rather than being emotionally or physically absent, you and your spouse need to work as a team when parenting. This means the mom doesn't need to be the only parent, nor does it mean that the dad should be the only parent. There needs to be unity and balance. This can only happen if both parents are working as a team. Far too often, we see only the mother taking an interest in the children, while the father is absent from the picture.

Future dads or present dads, make sure you are doing your best to be involved in your children's lives. Don't be distant from them and don't be indifferent to their feelings. Truly show up for them, build them up, and instruct them in the Lord. If you neglect doing these things, they will doubt the love you have for them. Choose to be a dad to them and become a safe place where they feel they can share their feelings with you.

Future moms or present moms, ensure you are also taking time to be with your children. It is more common for moms to be present in their children's lives, but make sure you are emotionally available for them, too. It is not enough just to be physically present. Avoid showing judgment to your children and instead, choose to show love, kindness, and support.

As a married couple and as parents, God wants you to live in unity with one another. Psalm 133:1 says, "Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!" From this passage, we see the importance of families living together as one. Part of this includes teamwork when it comes to parenting. There is no room for disorder or discord when it comes to raising your children.

Love each other, love your children, and love God. By doing these three things, you will be able to truly be united as you raise your children. Parenting isn't easy, but it's something we can either approach with wisdom or neglect, to the harm of our children. As Christians, we are called to strive to follow God in all areas of our lives, including parenting. Whenever we are struggling to be a team in parenting, we need to turn to the Lord in prayer and ask for His help.

Jesus is always faithful to help us in our time of need. He will bring direction, instruction, and guidance. Go to the Lord in prayer and pray for yourself as well as your spouse. Jesus will help you both in your parenting journey.

"Dear Jesus, please help my spouse and me to be a team as we raise our children. Help us to be on the same page. Guide us, direct us, and give us counsel in the best ways to raise our children from Your Word. I praise You and I thank You. Amen."

Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/. 

Related Resource: 3 Simple Ways to Feed Your Spouse More Praise

How often do you intentionally stop to praise your spouse? To recognize and affirm their character or actions? Many of us probably cringe at answering these questions because we know we could do better! If you struggle to feed your spouse praise regularly, this episode is for you. Listen in as we share some practical steps we all can take to criticize less and affirm and build up our spouse more. If this episode helps your marriage, be sure to subscribe to Team Us on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode.