One thing that I’ve appreciated more (now that I am older – 41 – and have young kids) is older women. Titus 2 instructs the older women to instruct, mentor, disciple, love on, help the younger women.
And in parenting, I think it is crucial. Yes, we can learn from those younger than us, and even in the same boat as us, but it is so helpful to have older women in your life to pour into you and teach you.
I have a few moms of adult children that I learn from and listen to and hang on their words of encouragement. I also have a few moms who are actually younger than me but have kids who are older than mine. I want to know how they survived these little years!
Yes, women my age can have lots of wisdom. And I want to listen to them and share with them and have community and friendship with them.
But I want older women to pour into my life and my home and my parenting. That is one of the reasons I love Sally Clarkson. She is in her 60s, all of her children are grown, and they still have a great relationship and love and serve Jesus. God has blessed their parenting. It is evident, not perfect, but evident.
The Life-Giving Parent, written with her husband, Clay, is so rich with biblical principle (taken mostly from the Proverbs), practical tips in living out these principles, and anecdotal stories of their parenting. In some parenting books you just get the truths. But, what I love in each of these chapters is humble lessons learned from years of practice and trusting in God’s Word.
Definitely a book I want to read time and time again – and continue marking it up. I may not know Sally personally, but her books have mentored me over the years.
All thoughts are my own. I was given this book by Tyndale Publishers and was asked for my honest opinion. #ad