Parental Influence Matters

As a young mother, Caroline Arit O. Thompson was so naïve and frustrated about childrearing that she would start each day crying. Her own parents raised her with stability, nourishment, and security-and made it look effortless. Thompson was unaware of the overwhelming work, sacrifice, and investment involved in parenting. Today Thompson is a confident, seasoned mother of two, eager to warm and encourage parents of all ages with the hope, comfort, and inspiration they need to mold their children for success. She advises us to recognize the tremendous blessing and privilege of parenthood and to look, as she does, to biblical principles and to faith in God for the guidance, direction, and strength to endure the many challenges of positive parenting. By "training up" our children with priceless love and values, and by making quality time to teach, nourish, and discipline, says Thompson, we fuel their passion to excel and enhance their sense of belonging and identity. The children reciprocate with gratitude, hard work, respect, affection, and more. Thompson knows that parenting is no small task. But she also knows that with God's grace, we can set the lives of tomorrow's leaders on the right path.