When Your Child Struggles: How an Eternal Perspective Gives Parents Hope | Episode 4: Part 3

When our children struggle, it can be one of the most painful and difficult parts of parenting. We may wonder what we did wrong, worry about the choices our children are making, or fear what the future might hold. In Part 3 of Episode 4 of The Parent Practice — Parenting & the Proclamation, we talk about how an eternal perspective can give parents hope when their children struggle. Parenting with an eternal perspective reminds us that our children's stories are still being written. Their struggles, mistakes, or choices today do not necessarily determine who they will ultimately become. Most importantly, we are not raising our children alone. Jesus Christ is at the center of God's plan for us and for our families. Through the power of His Atonement, there is always the possibility of growth, repentance, healing, forgiveness, and change. When we reach the limits of what we can do as parents, we can continue to love our children, exercise faith, seek the Lord's guidance, and trust in the Savior's ability to reach them in ways that we cannot. The Family: A Proclamation to the World teaches that parents have a sacred responsibility to rear their children in love and righteousness. It also reminds us that each child is a beloved son or daughter of heavenly parents with a divine nature and destiny. Keeping that eternal identity in mind can help us see beyond a child's present struggles and continue to parent with love, faith, patience, perspective, and hope. About Dr. Scott Jensen This discussion features insights from Dr. Scott Jensen, resident parenting expert for The Parent Practice. Scott brings more than 20 years of clinical experience as a therapist, along with many years as a professor of psychology and research involving parenting, child behavior, and effective parenting interventions. To learn more about Dr. Scott Jensen, his clinical work, professional background, and therapeutic approach, visit: drscottajensen.com/about-scott/ The Parent Practice — Parenting & the Proclamation Real parents. Real conversations. Principle-based parenting anchored in Jesus Christ. ▶️ Subscribe to The Parent Practice for more conversations about raising children with an eternal perspective and strengthening families through principles grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ and The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Disclaimer: The Parent Practice is an independent podcast and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or an official representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual participants.