511: When Nothing Seems To Work: Second Guessing Your Parenting Instincts

Ever find yourself second guessing your parenting decisions? You’re not alone. In this episode, Karen answers questions from moms navigating school struggles, motivation, and knowing when to step back. We hope you walk away feeling encouraged to trust God with the parenting choices you are making.

Episode Recap:

• One parenting decision won’t make or break your child (1:50)
• My 1st grader doesn’t work hard in school and I can’t make her care! (2:30)
• How do I motivate my 10 year old yellow/green son? (5:00)
• My son is reluctant to participate in extracurriculars, how should I handle this? (11:42)
• Don’t project your fears and anxieties onto your child (14:15)
• Ask God for the wisdom you need to make parenting decisions today (15:00)

Scripture: James 1:5 (NASB)
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach and it will be given to him”

Discussion Questions: 

1. When do you find yourself second guessing your parenting the most? What tends to be the trigger?
2. Are there areas where you might be over-helping (or enabling) instead of allowing natural consequences to teach your child?
3. What practical systems (routines, checklists etc.) could help your child take more ownership?
4. Are you projecting fears about your child’s future instead of focusing on what’s true today?
5. What would it look like to release your parenting decisions to God and trust Him with the outcome?

Resources:

• Listen to the rest of our conversation on WT+: boaw.mom/insider
• Use A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring to become a better student of your child
• Check out our BRAND NEW Bible study: How To Teach Your Kids the Bible
• Download our FREE temperaments packet

Want More of This Conversation?
In WT+, we dive into tougher parenting moments: attachment struggles, discipline that isn’t working, and navigating disagreements with your spouse. Plus, you’ll hear Karen’s practical ways to stay consistent when it feels like nothing is sticking.

Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.