Do you have strong relationships with other families so your children can see what good friendships look like? Do your children have the opportunity to see conflict resolved in a healthy way?
How we handle differences with others and practice conflict resolution sets the course for how our children will interact with others. I know few people who embrace conflict or who enjoy being gossiped about or misunderstood. It’s easier to walk away from a friendship and avoid confrontation than it is to make the effort to reconcile.
When your child is grown and married, what will he remember? Shutting someone out as if he or she didn’t exist anymore? Silent treatments? Or will he remember his parents having the courage to work through difficult times in relationships?
My husband and I have been participating in a parents’ Bible study for three years. Each of us in the study has dealt with interpersonal conflict with our children, forgiveness, misunderstandings and a host of other issues that have made us stronger. It’s tough coordinating everyone’s schedules, but the benefits are worth the effort.
Our children have the opportunity to see us in relationships with other families and to observe the way we interact. Navigating our friendships in a positive way puts our children in a better position to embrace the permanent relationship of a faithful marriage.
— Amy Stephens
