never give up

5 Encouragements to Never Give Up on Your Children

After the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, my wife started to watch the show Suits, the show Meghan was on for seven years. While I thought this was a ridiculous reason to watch a show, I started watching with her. I quickly became addicted to it. It’s a show about high-powered lawyers fighting to overcome attacks and power plays. While there isn’t a single character on the show I would want to be friends (or even spend time) with, I admire one thing. No matter how bad things seem or how big the battle is, they never give up on the fight or one another.

Poor grades, undisciplined behavior, substance abuse, all types of medical and psychological issues, dating, attitudes… Those are just the tip of the iceberg of potential pitfalls in parenting. It is no picnic to be a parent. Even in the most ideal situations, we still worry about our children and always will. However, All Pro Dads never give up on their kids under any circumstance, even when it’s tempting. We find a way or go down with the ship trying. That is what it means to be a man. Never give up on anyone. Here are 5 encouragements to never give up on your children.

1. Believing in them is valuable.

The world is filled with stories of success that started with just one person believing in what another was capable of. Pardon the cliché, but don’t stop believing in your child. We all have unique talents that are just what the world needs. So stick with your child through thick and thin until they discover who they are. If you give up on them, they will most likely give up as well. Your child is a gift from God to the world. Wait on your kids. And on Him. Your kids’ time will come.

All Pro Dads never give up on their kids under any circumstance, even when it’s tempting.

2. Perseverance pays off.

The trials of a troubled child can be incredibly frustrating, and situations can become downright depressing. But the breakthrough could always be at the very next turn. You have invested so much of your time, heart, and entire being. Don’t give up now. Persevere with a determined spirit to win the future. Strong-willed children can very well end up growing into leaders who aren’t easily bent toward doing what’s popular but what is right.

3. There could be a valid cause.

Many children and parents suffer for years only to find out later that their child’s behavior and achievement issues were due to any number of disorders—dyslexia, hyperlexia, separation anxiety, conduct disorders, and the list goes on. Some things are just beyond the love of a parent to fix and need outside help. The good news is almost all disorders are manageable, and some are even correctable. Talk to a trusted professional when needed.

4. Changing the environment can help.

What is the nature of the environment that your child spends most of his time in? Is there tension in the home? Are there elements in the neighborhood with a negative influence? What is his school like? The environments that your child is exposed to are constantly shaping his behavior. To the best of a parent’s ability, we must do the things we can to provide the most nurturing and stable environment we can for our children. Listen to and observe them carefully. What are you seeing and hearing from your child’s environment? Perhaps a change is just what is needed and can be a respite and source of encouragement for your entire family.

5. Hold on to hope.

Hope for a better tomorrow is what living is all about. Strive for what can be. Strive for who we can become and where we can go. Have perpetual hope that God loves your kids even more than you do, and that He is just asking you to do your best. That’s all you can do. Children are a long-term investment whose best dividends may not yield for decades. Just be faithful and patient, one day at a time.

Sound off: What are some more reasons to never give up on your kids?

Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What’s the most difficult thing you’ve ever had to persevere through?”