Influence vs. Control

Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook, especially when it comes to dating and relationships. What do you do when your teenager—or even your grown child—starts dating someone who doesn’t share their faith? Carol, Kelly, and Tricia get real about keeping communication open, learning to influence instead of control, and the power of prayer when it comes to your child’s relationships.

This conversation is all about trusting God with your kids, showing love instead of condemnation, and remembering that He is the one who can draw hearts to Himself.

3 Things to Remember:

1. Influence, don’t control. Shutting down conversations pushes kids away, but asking questions and listening keeps the door open.

2. Pray boldly and specifically. Ask God to draw your child’s boyfriend or girlfriend to Him, and if needed, to protect your child by closing the wrong doors.

3. Model a Christ-centered life. The way you live your faith at home influences your child’s choices more than lectures ever will.

This week, pray for your child by name—whether they’re dating now or not. Ask God to protect their heart, draw them closer to Him, and to use even their mistakes to shape their testimony.