From my family to yours, I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

Today's story takes 1-2 minutes to read.

Smartphone Prep Workshop: If you or someone you know is buying a smartphone for your child for Christmas, then check out this workshop on December 8th I'm teaching with my 14yr old daughter!

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The kind of parent kids are thankful for

A lot goes into the day we all experienced yesterday.

I once was able to just show up and eat because my parents took care of everything. They bought the food, they planned the sides, and they cooked the turkey.

I'm at the stage now where I appreciate more than ever what they did to make our Thanksgiving day happen. Why? Because now it is on me and my wife to do it all (but I kinda love it.)

As adults, we live into our present because of the practices of our parents in the past.

Therefore, what you are doing today mom and dad, can be a blessing and boost to your children.

3 Simple Ingredients

I was asked this question recently and I knew the answer would find its way into your hands sooner or later.

What are the qualities or attributes of a good parent to their children?

In other words, what combination of efforts will give your kids the highest possible chance to flourish in life?

I wanted it to be simple, so...

Here are three consistent things your kids need from you. Give them these and you're assured of their thankfulness someday.

1. Provide - give them love, connection, and resources to grow.

You have what they need most, so be lavish.

Kids need parents who provide for them. They will need your physical resources but they also need your heart.

As their provider, you take from your storehouse of life and spend it on them. Give them what they need through your words, wealth, and time.

2. Protect - ensure their safety and keep them from internal & external harm.

Life is full of danger, especially for those who are most vulnerable.

Kids don't know what they don't know. It is up to you to protect them, both from themselves and from the brokenness of our world.

Can you be overprotective? Yes. Should you be constantly fearful? No.

Protecting your kids is a delicate operation, but they will be thankful you were intentional on their behalf.

3. Push - force them into responsibility, refine their character, and give vision for impact.

The path of least resistance never creates a great story.

Kids need parents who push them. During the life stage that is most moldable, they need to be shaped.

Speak into their lives. Help them try new things. Take them on adventures. Slow down and explain why. Make them uncomfortable at times.

When you are this kind of mom or dad, your kids will know they belong to intentional parents.

They will be blessed and have so much to be thankful for on the day when they are in charge of the turkey.

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Thanks from me to you

As I've spent some time reflecting this week, one stand-out experience for me has been the responses to this Family Friday newsletter.

I began in April of this year and it has slowly grown in readers over the past 6 months. Seeing you open and read it each week has been humbling.

I sometimes get stopped around town and people share something that connected with them. We get to talk about their family and kids and it is the coolest experience.

I know when you share with your friends and I love to get emails from you about how it is impacting your home. I am thankful.

Finley

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