Parenting Journal Prompts

How we were parented has a direct impact on how we choose to parent. You may commit to never do what your parents did, to emulate everything they did or you find yourself somewhere in between. Wherever you land, what you experience being parented colors how your children experience you as a parent.

This blog is less about the transmission of helpful information and tips and more of an invitation to stir your thoughts and memories in a way that will hopefully shed light on your present parenting patterns.

So, grab your journal and something to write with.

Close your eyes and take a few long, deep breaths.

Ask the Holy Spirit to gently guide your heart and thoughts as you respond to the following:

• I would describe my parent’s parenting style as ______________.

• This is what my mom did really well . . .

• This is what my dad did really well . . .

• This is what my mom didn’t do so well . . .

• This is what my dad didn’t do so well . . .

• I felt (seen or unseen, heard or unheard) as a child.

• Describe what was going on in your family that contributed to your feeling seen or unseen, heard or unheard.

• Take a moment and name what was beautiful for you in your family.

• Take a moment and name what was harmful to you in your family. (this isn’t a blaming exercise, just a naming exercise)

Review what you have written.

Be curious where you may have been silent.

Pray now that the Lord will continue to heal what is hurting, repair what is broken, help you celebrate the beautiful, and give you wisdom to parent in a way that is full of life, grace, and love.

Ready to be a better parent? Join our webinar on March 25th at 12 pm EST! We'll help you understand how your own upbringing affects your parenting style, and give you practical tips to be the best parent you can be. Register now to save your spot!