Perplexed Parenting

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We're a safe place for parents to vent. We're not counselors, simply parents who have struggled with their teens.

Website: http://www.perplexedparents.org
Location: Martinsburg, WV
Members: 21
Latest Activity: May 15

The Big Picture

We’ve all heard the cliche’s “Go for the gold” and ”Keep your eye on the prize,” but I sometimes wonder what we miss out on if we’re not careful enough to look at some of the scenery along the way. While I understand the concept of keeping focused, what about those precious gems we miss? I’ve always had big dreams as to where I’d like for this ministry to go and have even gotten discouraged at the lack of progress that seems to be there. I can find all kinds of things to blame it on. When I’m at that point, God sends someone my way to remind me that we are making a difference. I had the awesome privilege to “be there” for someone this week. What a humbling experience that can be. It made me wonder if maybe the “big picture” is overrated. We serve an awesome God who knows what we need when we need it. I think I’m going to let Him take care of “the big picture” and I’m going to take the time to enjoy the scenery a little more.

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Comment by LaKeyah Nicole Harper on November 24, 2011 at 8:15am: I have 4 kids! Two girls, ages 11 & 6, and then, Two boys, ages 4 & 2. OMG, somebody help!

I can get really frustarted around the house. i'm a stay at home mommy. My husband works full time and is currently looking for a 2nd job.

I easily run low on patience and at times I think I will pull my hair out. Sometime I hide from my kids.LOL! I love 'em though. They are a blessing and a gift from God. I hope that I can get encouragement, tips, [pointers, and room to vent here.

Comment by Jeffrey Clegg on August 7, 2010 at 3:07am: Thanks for the plug. We're trying to get the word out and anything you do is appreciated. There's not much out there for parents. Hopefully we can make a difference for some.

Comment by Malinda Winkle on July 28, 2010 at 9:47pm: I wrote a blog post about this fine group on my blog this evening so others will learn about Perplexed Parenting: http://malindazellman.blogspot.com

Comment by Malinda Winkle on July 16, 2010 at 8:17pm: Vancouver! My daughter was just there last weekend. I'm in Florida, but she's doing medical research for Homeland Security in the state of Washington and she and some of the other interns crossed the border for 4th of July weekend to visit Vancouver. She has a funny story on what happened coming back across the border (into the US) on her blog. It's the once called "What Happens in Canada Stays in Canada". It, too, involves marijuana. For a chuckle, read: http://blogs.simpsonu.edu/amyzellman Apparently the "cafes" in Amsterdam are a legal place to smoke weed and this is what caused the mixup between them and "Robocop" as she calls him.

Comment by Jeffrey Clegg on July 16, 2010 at 8:10pm: I believe the most crucial thing we can do when our kids are struggling is to keep the line of communication open. You may not like what you hear, but if they are talking to you, at least you know they still want a relationship with you.

Comment by Malinda Winkle on July 16, 2010 at 8:06pm: I have always had a very open relationship with my sons too. So, when they starting doing things contrary to the ways we have taught them, they were pretty open even then. When I reacted in anger, they learned very quickly I was not going to be tolerant and was withholding what helps I normally provide to be sure my helps weren't just acts of enablement. (Ex.: I provide food, and they spend their money on something detrimental.) It created a huge rift at first but even Jesus got angry when he encountered open sin. So, I don't feel too bad, frankly. We are all still close and able to be together, but I will interact differently with them from now on, I'm afraid.

Comment by Malinda Winkle on July 16, 2010 at 2:38pm: Thanks for the clarification. We parents need to know these things in case the word pops up.

Comment by Malinda Winkle on July 15, 2010 at 8:44pm: Thank you! That's a new term for me.

Comment by Debbie_LIBAW on July 15, 2010 at 8:39pm: Finally found it! It means smoke weed.

Comment by Debbie_LIBAW on July 15, 2010 at 8:36pm: I don't know what "blaze" is either. I tried to google it and all I came up with were church youth groups, and I know you aren't talking about that : )