Episode Details

What if one of the best things we can do for our kids is let them struggle? Mom of eight and founder of The Exchange, Elizabeth Pehrson, joins Karen and Emily to talk about parenting for the long game. If you have a hard time watching your child fail, forget, or face the consequences of their choices, this conversation is for you! We hope it will encourage you to loosen your grip and trust God with the outcome.

Episode Recap:

• Your job as a parent is to make sure they don’t need you - the hardest part is accepting your success (4:26)
• Long game parenting asks, “Who do I want my child to be at 25, 35, 45?” (6:45)
• How do we get more comfortable with watching our kids struggle? (9:37)
• Allowing them to experience natural consequences is loving (12:02)
• Practical examples of starting out small with independence (16:00)
• Trusting the Lord is the foundation of success in parenting (19:29)
• You are preparing them for leaving you (22:00)

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Discussion Questions:

1. How comfortable are you letting your child fail or experience natural consequences? What makes it hard for you to step back?
2. Think about your child at 25, 35, or 45. What kind of adult are you hoping to raise, and is the way you're parenting today moving them toward that?
3. Where do you need to loosen your grip and trust God more with your child?

Resources:

• Connect with Elizabeth on IG: @long_game_parenting
• Reach out to have Karen or Erin come speak in your community.
• Atlanta moms - sign up for Mom Core Live! - a short term group with Karen and Erin

Want More of This Conversation?
In Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily ask, “How much should I really know about my kid?” They talk about technology (hello Life360), over-functioning, and knowing when staying informed crosses the line into keeping our kids from growing up.

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