By: Courtney Castillo, Perimeter School Mom

As a new parent to Perimeter School, I was looking for ways to get involved and meet some other moms within the school. I saw an email about a book study being offered and was excited to see that the book was Shepherding a Child’s Heart written by Dr. Tedd Tripp. I read this book when our now kindergartner was a young toddler and was eager to read it again now that our children are older and parenting is a bit more challenging.

I have loved getting together weekly with this group of moms and hearing their hearts when it comes to the role we have as parents. We have been called to teach our children the importance of the actions of their hearts and the importance of obeying God. It is neat to be in a room with women who are in all different stages of the parenting journey, each with unique backgrounds and cultures that have led them to want to parent the way the Lord has intended. There is so much wisdom to soak in not only from Dr. Tripp but also from this group of women.

We Are His Agents

It has been a great way to see the covenant community of Perimeter School at work each Monday morning as we dive into parenting and encourage each other in the day-to-day, real-life hardships as parents. I love this quote from the book:

 “Recognizing that God has called you to function as his agent defines your task as a parent. Our culture has reduced parenting to providing care. Parents often see the task in these narrow terms. The child must have food, clothes, a bed, and some quality time. In sharp contrast to such a weak view, God has called you to a more profound task than being only a care-provider. You shepherd your child on God's behalf. The task God has given you is not one that can be conveniently scheduled. It is a pervasive task. Training and shepherding are going on whenever you are with your children. Whether waking, walking, talking, or resting, you must be involved in helping your child to understand life, himself, and his needs from a biblical perspective (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).”

Shepherding Their Hearts

The task we have as parents is a mission field in itself and quite an intimidating task to me. A lot of times, it is easier to discipline a direct negative behavior rather than taking the time to sit down and talk to our children about why they behaved in that way. Sin seeps in and out of all of our hearts, and that is why we, as parents, have to discipline.

It is not until we sit down and talk to our children about their hearts that we can begin to teach them about God and His grace and the work of Christ on the cross.

In his book, Dr. Tripp teaches that the purpose of our authority in the lives of our children is not to hold them under our power but to empower them to be self-controlled people living freely under the authority of God.

Reading this allows me to feel freedom in parenting as well! It is not my goal for my children to obey me but to learn about our Heavenly Father, and in doing so, obey Him. I believe it is also important for our children to understand that we are sinners and need Jesus just as much as they do!

God has been so kind to me in providing such a sweet community of women during my first year at Perimeter School, and I encourage everyone to look for ways to get involved in the covenant community. And I am looking forward to hearing from Dr. Tripp at the Parent Equipping Night to gain more wisdom from his parenting experience and to apply those truths to my day-to-day life in my role as a parent.

We are excited to welcome Dr. Tedd Tripp as the speaker for our Parent Equipping Night next Monday, February 7 at 7:30 PM! Dr. Tripp will share ageless truths on addressing the hearts of our children while infusing the gospel. Following the presentation, enjoy a complimentary coffeehouse in the Atrium ... desserts, coffee, and live music included! While this Campus Meeting is required for all Perimeter School parents, we encourage you to invite friends and neighbors! Click here for an invitation to the event.