Nobody likes to be compared to someone else. The comparison game tends to highlight our weaknesses and how we don’t measure up to others. It leaves us feeling deflated and insecure. So, why do so many parents fall into this trap with their kids?
Talking Points:
- Your kids are unique individuals so it’s not fair to compare them with their siblings because of factors like birth order, sex, and age. All of these factors shape the personality of our kids, so comparing them is unfair.
- You shouldn’t view your kids as trophies in your display case of great parenting. Good parenting is about shepherding each child’s heart individually – knowing what makes them tick, helping them overcome struggles, and setting them up to accomplish their goals. Colossians 3:21, Ephesians 6:4
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever been the victim of the comparison game in your life? Explain.
- What are some other potential downfalls to comparing ourselves or our kids to someone else?
- How have you been guilty of comparing your kids? How did it work out?
- Describe each of your kids’ personalities. How do they differ from one another?
- Read Colossians 3:21. How have you exasperated your kids in the past? How do you know that you have frustrated them?
- Read Ephesians 6:4. How can you improve on training your kids to live out God’s purpose for their lives?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
