Authenticity in Parenting

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As the world we live in continues to change at a rapid pace, there’s a personal value that can help you easily stand out from the crowd: authenticity.  

Since it’s quickly being elevated to an “endangered” status in today’s world, authenticity provides us with an opportunity to strengthen nearly every relationship in our lives.  

Others will naturally want to work for, with, and around us if we remain committed to being authentic in the way we communicate and relate to those around us.  

Our parent-to-kid relationships are no different.

The question is, how do we give our kids the sense that we are being authentic in our relationships with them? Here’s a few ideas...  

• Don’t mask all of your emotions. While stability in the home is important, it’s okay for our kids to know that we experience a wide range of emotions, just like them.  
• Share your past experiences. It’s easy to forget that our kids haven’t always been around, and they don’t even remember the early years of their own life! Make it a priority to share past memories, challenges, and seasons of faith with them.  ‍
• Bring them in on decisions. Give them a glimpse into upcoming decisions and the factors in play.  ‍
• Demonstrate an authentic life. Be mindful of how you act and interact with others in different settings. Do your kids see a dramatically different version of you at church, work, or the grocery store than they do at home?  

Personal authenticity can super charge the strength of your relationships with others, especially your kids!