Principal's Ponderings

Unshakeable Parenting

Be a parent - it will be easy they said! Umm, no I do not believe this is true at all! Parenting is one of life's most challenging yet rewarding journeys, filled with moments of both joy and frustration. I have witnessed countless parents navigate this complex path, striving to instill in their children values that reflect a Christ-like character. The question often arises: how can we, as parents, balance the act of showing kindness and expecting obedience from our children and teenagers? This dilemma centers around integrating two biblical principles into our parenting approach: 

• demonstrating Christ-like humility and servanthood (as we read in Philippians 2:1–11) 
• while also requiring honour, respect and obedience from our children (Ephesians 6:1–3).

God's model for leadership is one of service leadership, suggesting that parenting should not resemble a dictatorial or judgmental stance but one that mirrors the service and humility of Jesus. John Piper, a respected author and pastor, offers insightful suggestions on how to embody these principles in our parenting.

1. Formal Teaching: 

It is crucial to have ongoing, age-appropriate biblical teachings at home and school. This encompasses discussions about obedience, respect, kindness, and the responsibilities of parents to discipline without provocation. Such teachings lay a foundation for understanding mutual respect and love, even in challenging times.

2. Team Effort: 

The design of families, typically comprising two parents, fosters a dynamic where both can demonstrate respect and humility. In situations where one parent is involved in a conflict with a child, the other can supportively intervene, emphasising the unified front of parental authority. For single parenting, it is common for them to surround themselves with friends and close adult role-models to support the development and growth of their children, as a team.

3. Service in Parenting: 

Many families are single-parent families and many times during the day, even a two-parent family has one parent with the children. It may be during the day mum or dad might be the one who has got to bear the whole burden of the discipline here alone. What are some of the ways to help a child see both humility and servanthood in the Christian life of their parents as well as strong, God-appointed authority to be respected and obeyed?

Some strategies include:

• Avoiding the association of anger with the demand for respect.
• Issuing apologies to your children when appropriate, which doesn't undermine authority but strengthens respect.
• Modeling servanthood in all relationships, showcasing that authority does not solely mean being in charge.

4. Delight in Your Children: 

The primary tone of the parent-child relationship should be one of delight and appreciation, not just correction. This ensures children feel valued and loved, rather than tools for convenience.

5. True Humility: 

Humility does not equate to leniency but involves the self-denial necessary to address disobedience. It is about setting aside personal comfort for the child's long-term benefit.

6. Grace and Discipline: 

Teaching grace involves occasionally overlooking offenses to demonstrate mercy, while still maintaining a consistent discipline regimen. This balance teaches children the importance of grace alongside the expectation of obedience.

Parenting, indeed, is more of an art, than a science, requiring constant prayer for wisdom, as highlighted in James 3:17–18:

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

This scripture reminds us that heavenly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Such wisdom fosters a peaceful environment conducive to righteousness, an essential goal for all Christian parents.

In this journey of parenting, it is important to remember that every child is unique and what works for one, may not work for another. By applying these biblical principles, engaging in constant prayer and seeking God's wisdom, parents can navigate the complexities of parenting with grace and effectiveness. Together, let's support each other in this mission, drawing on our shared experiences and the timeless wisdom of scripture to raise children who embody respect, obedience and a servant's heart.

Chad Smit | Principal

Principal on Sabbatical Leave

Chad Smit, our Principal, is on a period of sabbatical leave until Wednesday 27th March. This leave is a pre-arranged period of time for Chad to rest, reflect and develop as a leader. The Board values Chad's leadership and, over 12 months ago, began planning for this extended period away.

It will be school as usual during this time, with Tom Evans and Alison Moore jointly leading in Chad's absence. Your child's class teacher remains your primary contact for immediate assistance. Leanne Crawford, the Executive Officer and Hanna Udy, the Board Chair, will also ensure DCS's smooth running. 

If you would like to know 'who to contact' please go to this page https://www.dcs.tas.edu.au/back-to-school/ and scroll to the 'What do I do if . . .'  to ensure you are connected with the right team member.

We ask for your support and encourage you to pray for Chad while he is away. We look forward to welcoming him back, refreshed and re-energised for the coming years.

Hanna Udy   |   Board Chair