Parenting with More Laughter

I have to confess, I am not the most relaxed of dads. I am always on guard against play time escalating into that crazy hysteria which generally precedes one of the kids getting injured. But, I am learning that God wants me to practice parenting with more laughter.

A few weeks ago, my daughters were sitting at the table eating a snack before bed. I don’t know who started it. But, in between sips and giggles, they began clinking their glasses together, chanting “Cheers!”

My dad brain roared to life. In an instant, I knew that this behavior was unsafe. I could literally feel the molecular structure of each glass straining to hold as they tested its tensile strength.

If there’s one thing that dozens of science class toothpick bridges taught me, it’s that little kids–my kids, especially–should not be smashing their glasses together. They could break!

I missed something really important, though. Do you know what it was?

My Daughters Were Laughing

My daughters were laughing! They were bonding. This was a joyous, loving moment. The very thing that I pray will characterize their relationship for the rest of their lives was happening in front of my eyes.

And, I was missing it. Worse, I had been preparing to shut it down. Suddenly, I was flooded with gratitude for a God who answers prayer. I remembered that Jesus loved children. That he wanted us to be like children in how we approach Him.

Parenting with More Laughter

I observed them in their moment that night. We laughed together. No glasses were broken. And, now I have a memory that is wonderful to me. Today, I am committed to parenting with more laughter.

That moment was an inflection point for me in this journey. I want to laugh more with them. And, to do that, I have to let go. I have to lower my guard. And, I will need to follow them to the places where their hearts are filled with joy.

Prayer for Today

My prayer for today is that I would be the kind of dad that makes it easier for them to relate to their heavenly father. Let my example show them His love. Let me emulate their joy in how they approach Christ.

I resolve to slow down before reacting, so that I can be more methodical in setting boundaries with them. I want my natural response to them to be less impatient and more curious.

Scriptures about Parenting with More Laughter

Here are some scriptures about raising kids:

“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” Colossians 3:21 (ESV)

“But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’” Luke 18:16-17 (ESV)

“And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:15 (ESV)