How do friendships help us to be better parents?
Overview
New parents can feel overwhelmed, insecure, incompetent, and inadequately prepared, according to Mimi Greenwood Knight in her article for CHRISTIAN PARENTING TODAY. Knight said she was also lonely and starved for adult interaction as a stay-at-home mom. Building a community of friends helps alleviate these doubts and gives moms shared wisdom and skill, comfort, reassurance, and encouragement.
This study looks at why it is important for moms to make time for friendships, and how covenant friendships strengthen us emotionally and spiritually. We also examine how intergenerational friendships and mentors add valuable wisdom to our parenting skills.
Table of Contents
SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 18:1 3, 20:1 42; 2 Samuel 1:25 26, 9:1 13; Philippians 2:19 27; Titus 2:3 5
LEADER'S GUIDE
Identify the Current Issue
Discover the Eternal Principles
--Teaching point one: Covenant friendships keep us transparent and vulnerable, so we can share our parenting struggles, ideas, and joys.
--Teaching point two: Covenant friendships extend to our children and grandchildren.
--Teaching point three: Intergenerational friendships between women are biblical, rewarding, and lend themselves naturally to mentoring.
--Teaching point four: Friendships are strengthened when we serve together in the work of the gospel.
Apply Your Findings
Additional Resources
ARTICLE FROM
CHRISTIAN PARENTING TODAY That s What Friends Are For, by Mimi Greenwood Knight (2005)
You have permission to make up to 1,000 copies for use in your local church.
http://www.christianbook.com/friendships-that-benefit-parenting-word-document/christianity-today-international/pd/1326DF