Parenthood has a way of making us feel like we need to have everything under control. From the moment we hold our firstborn in our arms, the instinct to protect, guide, and shape their world takes over.
We read all the parenting books, plan every little detail, and try our best to keep them safe. But as much as we want to be in control, the truth is—God is the one who holds it all together.
The Struggle for Control
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself frustrated when things don’t go as planned. Maybe your spouse parents different than you do, or the grandparents step in with their own ideas.
It’s easy to feel like no one else quite understands your vision for your child’s life. But in those moments, we have a choice: cling to control or surrender to trust in God.
Why Letting Go is Hard
As parents, we want the best for our children. We want to protect them from mistakes, hardships, and heartbreak.
But in trying to control everything, we often forget that God loves them even more than we do. Learning to step back and trust His plan is an act of faith.
God’s Plan is Greater Than Ours
God didn’t design parenthood for us to do it alone, nor did He give us children so we could orchestrate their every move. Every situation, every challenge, every unexpected detour—it all fits into His ultimate plan for good.
When we learn to release our grip and trust in God’s wisdom, we experience the peace that comes from knowing He is in control.
Embracing Grace in Relationships
1. Relationship with Your Other Half
Parenting can put a strain on a marriage or partnership, especially when you and your spouse have different parenting styles. Instead of seeing differences as obstacles, embrace them as opportunities to grow together.
Extend grace to your partner, communicate openly, and trust that God placed you together for a reason. A unified front, built on love and faith, sets a powerful example for your children.
2. Relationship with Your Parents and In-Laws
Grandparents often play a significant role in our children’s lives, but their involvement can sometimes lead to tension. They may offer unsolicited advice or have different approaches to discipline and care.
Rather than seeing this as interference, choose to see it as love expressed in a different way. Show respect and patience, set healthy boundaries with kindness, and trust that God has a purpose for every relationship in your child’s life.
Letting go doesn’t just apply to our kids—it applies to how we treat the people in their lives. Instead of feeling frustrated by the differences in parenting styles, we can choose grace.
We can recognize that God placed our spouses, grandparents, and other caretakers in our children’s lives for a reason. Extending patience and understanding fosters harmony and models love for our little ones.
The Freedom Found in Surrender
Surrendering our worries to God doesn’t mean we stop caring—it means we stop carrying burdens that aren’t ours to bear. When we acknowledge that He is in control, we free ourselves from unnecessary anxiety and open our hearts to deeper trust.
Trading Worry for Faith
Worrying about our kids is natural, but it’s not necessary. Matthew 6:34 reminds us, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” God has already written their story. Our job is not to stress over every possible outcome but to trust that He will guide them just as He guides us.
Finding Peace in Trusting God
So today, take a deep breath, sip your coffee, and surrender. Trust that God’s plan is greater than yours. Rest in the knowledge that He loves your children even more than you do. And in that trust, you will find peace.