DiscoverParenting with Ginger HubbardEp. 177 | Should Parents Befriend Their Kids & When Playing is Torture
Ep. 177 | Should Parents Befriend Their Kids & When Playing is Torture

Ep. 177 | Should Parents Befriend Their Kids & When Playing is Torture

Update: 2024-06-04
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This episode of Parenting with Ginger Hubbard tackles the question of whether parents should strive to be their children's friends. Ginger and Katie agree that this is not a biblical approach, as God has designed parents to be authorities and guides for their children, not peers. They emphasize the importance of establishing clear boundaries and roles within the family, ensuring children understand their place and responsibilities. The episode also delves into the challenges of engaging with children's pretend play, offering practical tips for parents who find it difficult or tedious. Ginger encourages parents to find ways to connect with their children's interests, even if they don't personally enjoy the activity, and to prioritize quality time together. The episode concludes with a reminder that while the parent-child relationship is distinct from friendship, it can evolve into a deeper, more rewarding bond as children mature. The episode also includes a quick tip for parents from a listener, Jennifer, on how to freeze cookie dough for easy baking.

Outlines

00:00:00
Introduction and Listener Question

This Chapter introduces the episode and presents a question from a listener, Christa, who seeks guidance on the concept of parents being friends with their children and how to handle children who constantly want to play pretend. Christa expresses her dislike for pretend play and the guilt she feels for not engaging in it.

00:02:08
Addressing Pretend Play

This Chapter focuses on addressing the listener's question about pretend play. Ginger shares her own experiences with her children and acknowledges the challenges of engaging in pretend play. She offers practical advice on how parents can connect with their children's interests without necessarily participating in the play itself, suggesting verbal interaction and showing interest in their creations. Ginger also encourages parents to find activities they can enjoy together that are more aligned with their own interests.

00:08:27
Parents as Authorities, Not Friends

This Chapter delves into the core topic of the episode: the importance of parents being authorities in their children's lives, not friends. Ginger and Katie explain that this approach is rooted in biblical principles, emphasizing the distinct roles God has assigned to parents and friends. They highlight the importance of establishing clear boundaries and authority within the family, ensuring children understand their place and responsibilities. They also discuss the potential harm of blurring these lines, leading to confusion and insecurity for children.

00:16:56
Practical Benefits and Conclusion

This Chapter explores the practical benefits of parents fulfilling their God-given role as authorities in their children's lives. Ginger and Katie emphasize that while children will have many friends throughout their lives, the parent-child relationship is unique and special. They highlight the importance of faithful, committed parenting, emphasizing the order God has established for the family. They also discuss the long-term benefits of strong parenting, leading to deeper, more rewarding friendships with adult children. The episode concludes with a reminder to be faithful in parenting and to reap the harvest of God's blessings in relationships with children.

Keywords

Parenting


The act of raising and caring for children, encompassing all aspects of their development, including physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth. It involves providing guidance, discipline, love, and support to help children become responsible and well-adjusted individuals.

Pretend Play


A form of play where children use their imaginations to create imaginary scenarios, characters, and situations. It is a crucial part of child development, fostering creativity, social skills, language development, and problem-solving abilities.

Authority


The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. In the context of parenting, it refers to the parents' responsibility to guide, discipline, and set boundaries for their children, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Friendship


A relationship between two people who share mutual affection, trust, and respect. Friends typically enjoy each other's company, engage in shared activities, and provide support and encouragement to each other.

Biblical Principles


The moral and ethical teachings found in the Bible, which provide guidance for living a life that aligns with God's will. These principles encompass various aspects of life, including family relationships, personal conduct, and spiritual growth.

God's Design


The plan and purpose that God has established for creation, including the human family. This design encompasses specific roles and responsibilities for individuals within the family unit, emphasizing the importance of order, harmony, and love.

Boundaries


Limits or guidelines that define acceptable behavior and expectations within a relationship. In parenting, boundaries help children understand what is expected of them, promoting safety, respect, and a sense of security.

Family Unity


The sense of togetherness, harmony, and love that exists within a family. It is fostered through strong communication, shared values, and a commitment to supporting and caring for each other.

Quality Time


Time spent with another person that is focused, intentional, and meaningful. It involves engaging in activities that are enjoyable for both parties, fostering connection and strengthening the relationship.

Reaching the Heart of Your Child


A three-session seminar by Ginger Hubbard that provides parents with practical tools and biblical principles for understanding and connecting with their children's hearts. It addresses topics such as communication, discipline, and building a strong parent-child relationship.

Q&A

  • Why is it important for parents to be authorities in their children's lives, not friends?

    God has designed parents to be guides and protectors for their children, not peers. This approach ensures clear boundaries, promotes respect, and helps children understand their place and responsibilities within the family. Blurring these lines can lead to confusion and insecurity for children.

  • How can parents engage with their children's pretend play without necessarily participating in it?

    Parents can show interest in their children's creations, ask questions about their imaginary worlds, and engage in verbal interaction. They can also find activities they can enjoy together that are more aligned with their own interests, ensuring quality time is spent together.

  • What are some practical benefits of parents fulfilling their God-given role as authorities in their children's lives?

    Strong parenting in the early years lays the foundation for deeper, more rewarding friendships with adult children. It also helps children develop a sense of security, respect, and responsibility, preparing them for healthy relationships in the future.

  • What are some tips for parents who find it difficult to engage in pretend play with their children?

    Focus on verbal interaction, showing interest in their creations and asking questions about their imaginary worlds. Find activities you can enjoy together that are more aligned with your own interests, ensuring quality time is spent together.

  • How can parents ensure their children have a healthy understanding of the parent-child relationship?

    By establishing clear boundaries and roles within the family, ensuring children understand their place and responsibilities. This approach fosters respect, security, and a sense of belonging within the family unit.

  • What are some practical ways to connect with your child's interests, even if you don't personally enjoy the activity?

    Show interest in their creations, ask questions about their imaginary worlds, and engage in verbal interaction. You can also find activities you can enjoy together that are more aligned with your own interests, ensuring quality time is spent together.

  • How can parents balance the need for authority with the desire to build a strong, loving relationship with their children?

    By understanding that the parent-child relationship is distinct from friendship, but can evolve into a deeper, more rewarding bond as children mature. Parents can nurture this relationship by showing love, respect, and guidance, while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations.

  • What are some resources available for parents who are seeking guidance on parenting?

    Ginger Hubbard's "Reaching the Heart of Your Child" seminar provides practical tools and biblical principles for understanding and connecting with children's hearts. It addresses topics such as communication, discipline, and building a strong parent-child relationship.

  • How can parents encourage their children to develop healthy friendships?

    By modeling healthy relationships themselves, providing opportunities for their children to interact with other children, and teaching them the importance of respect, kindness, and empathy.

  • What is the importance of establishing clear boundaries and roles within the family?

    Clear boundaries provide children with a sense of security, structure, and understanding of what is expected of them. They also help to prevent confusion and conflict within the family unit.

Show Notes

Would you like to know what the Bible says about parents being friends with their children? Do you find it boring and maybe even downright torturous to play with your kids, so you don’t…and then you feel guilty about it? Join Ginger Hubbard and Katy Morgan for another edition of Ask Ginger as they provide encouragement and insight to help you engage in play with your kids and take a look at the spiritual and practical value of God’s design for the parent/child relationship.




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For show notes and episode downloads, go to https://www.gingerhubbard.com/blogs/podcast/episode-177-should-parents-befriend-their-kids-when-playing-is-torture



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Support this podcast:  


https://www.gingerhubbard.com/support


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Sponsor for this episode:  


GWN | gwnews.com/ginger


CTC Math | ctcmath.com




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Ep. 177 | Should Parents Befriend Their Kids & When Playing is Torture

Ep. 177 | Should Parents Befriend Their Kids & When Playing is Torture

Ginger Hubbard