A VITAL ROLE IN THE FAMILY

•    importance of loving children – can’t be delegated

PARENTING POINTS THE NEXT GENERATION TO GOD AS SOVEREIGN

•    God answered Hannah’s grieved petition
•    God (not child) the centre of my life around which I orbit
•    security for offspring in honouring God above ourselves
•    helicopter parenting / catering sets up for selfish entitlement
•    God sovereign over death & life, poverty & wealth

CHILDREN ARE A GIFT ON LOAN

•    Hannah lent (sha’al) back to the Lord the child Samuel she asked (sha’al) of Him
•    need to prepare to let children go as they grow toward independence
•    children are a gift / reward, not a burden

MOTHERING MODELS THE MAKER’S MERCY

•    God’s help to those who stumble / hunger / are barren / poor / needy
•    parents to love and be kind to children, not exasperate / embitter
•    not by strength that one prevails - vs. “survival of the fittest”
•    Jesus: greatness in serving, not lording over

WHAT KIDS NEED FROM MOM

(1) Train their hearts.
(2) Boo less, cheer more.
(3) Talk "taboo."
(4) Let limits grow as children do.
(5) Show the way.
(6) Enjoy them.