They say Patience is a virtue—but let’s be real; it’s also a full-time, unpaid internship in parenting. —but Proverbs 14:29 reminds us it’s actually a sign of wisdom: “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” And let’s be honest, parenting tweens and teens is where that wisdom gets tested hourly.
😅 If you’ve ever:
- ✔ Answered, “Why?” 100 times in a row…
- ✔ Repeated yourself so many times you wonder if your voice is on mute…
- ✔ Prayed for Patience but low-key wished for a vacation instead…
Then congratulations! You’re officially enrolled in God’s “Parenting Patience 101” program. 😆
Ephesians 6:4 reminds us: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Translation? Parenting isn’t about controlling—it’s about guiding with love, structure, and A LOT of grace. Guiding and grace are especially true in the tween years when children suddenly want independence, Wi-Fi, and snacks, but must be reminded to brush their teeth.
1️⃣ The Parenting Patience Paradox
The irony of parenting is that while we’re teaching our kids to have patience, God is simultaneously using them to teach us patience. 😅
✔ Patience when they ask for a snack—right after dinner.
✔ Patience when they “clean” their room by shoving everything under the bed, in their closets, and drawers.
✔ Patience when you’re running late and they suddenly need to tie their shoes… for the first time ever or just slow dragging 😵💫 ✔ Patience when you’re trying to have a serious convo, and they respond with, “Bruh.”
God isn’t just shaping your child’s character—He’s refining yours, too. 🔥
This season isn’t just about raising them but refining us.
James 1:4 (NIV) says: “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Each time you breathe instead of bark, you’re maturing even when you don’t feel like it.
2️⃣ Discipline vs. Frustration
Ephesians 6:4 warns us: “Do not provoke your children to anger.” But let’s be honest—sometimes, parenting feels like an anger management exercise for BOTH sides. 😂
Ephesians 6:4 also doesn’t say, “avoid discipline.” It says don’t provoke them. There’s a big difference.
- ✔ Discipline should correct, not crush.
- ✔ Correction should teach, not shame.
- ✔ Boundaries should build trust, not resentment.
Let’s be real. Sometimes, we discipline out of frustration, not wisdom. But God doesn’t treat us that way.
Hebrews 12:11 says: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
When our Discipline is rooted in love, not snapping, it plants peace. And what tween doesn’t need more peace in their growing, hormonal chaos?
Patience in parenting means learning when to correct, when to walk away, and when to simply pray. 🙏
3️⃣ The Holy Art of Taking a Breath
God is endlessly patient with us.
- When we mess up.
- When we forget what He just taught us.
- When we throw spiritual tantrums.
So why are we shocked when our kids do the same?
Here’s your holy cheat code:
✔ Pause before reacting. 😇
✔ Pray before disciplining. 🙏
✔ Breathe before losing your cool. 😤
Proverbs 15:1 says: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
When you’re tempted to yell, whisper a prayer instead. Or whisper at your child if needed (it makes them nervous—bonus!). 😉
And when all else fails? Step away, grab your coffee, and try again. You can start fresh even at 4:57 p.m.
4️⃣ Reframing the Hard Days
🌤️ Some days, you feel like you’re parenting a little angel. On other days, it feels like you’re negotiating with a tiny attorney with no law degree but lots of opinions.
😩 That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re parenting. And you’re doing it while also being refined, sanctified, and probably caffeinated.
🙏 Remember, God gave you to your child because He knew you were the right one for the job.
Isaiah 40:11 says: “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”
He leads you, Mom and Dad. Gently. Daily. Always.
✝️📚 FaithSips Mini Bible Study
Scripture Focus:
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”— Proverbs 14:29. Also read: James 1:2–4, Isaiah 40:11, Hebrews 12:11
📖 Context:
Patience isn’t just a nice character trait—it’s deeply spiritual. Throughout Scripture, patience is tied to wisdom, growth, and godly strength. In Proverbs, it is contrasted with foolishness, highlighting that our reactions reveal what is truly happening in our hearts. James reminds us that trials produce patience, not just test it. And Isaiah paints a picture of God gently leading those “with young”—He understands the weariness that comes with caregiving and parenting.
👀 Application:
Parenting is a long game, and thankfully, God isn’t rushing your process. He’s not surprised when your patience wears thin—He’s prepared to meet you there. Through His Word, we learn that patience isn’t passive—it’s an active choice. It’s how we build emotional strength, lead our homes with grace, and reflect God’s heart to our children.
✨ Key Takeaway:
Patience isn’t just for surviving the moment—it’s for shaping the future. When we choose patience, we gain understanding, and our homes become places where growth, not just correction, can thrive. 💛
💬 Reflection Questions:
📖 Let’s process what God is showing us as we sip on truth:
- When was the last time you paused instead of reacted with your child?
- What frustrates you most right now in this tween/teen phase—and what might God be teaching you through it?
- How do you model repentance and grace when you lose patience?
- What practical rhythms (prayer, journaling, coffee with Scripture) help reset your parenting tone?
✏️ Journal Prompt:
- Think back to a moment this week when your patience was tested.
- What were you feeling in that moment?
- How did you respond—and how would you have liked to respond?
Now reflect:
1. What would it look like to invite God into those moments in real time?
2. Write out a short prayer asking God to help you respond with grace, joy, and holy patience in the days ahead.
🔔 Just a few faith-filled sticky notes for your fridge (or heart):
- You don’t have to be the perfect parent. Just a present one.
- Your kids are watching how you handle stress—and learning from it.
- God gives new mercies and new patience every morning (even when your kid doesn’t).
- It’s okay to need a break. That doesn’t make you weak; it makes you wise.
💛 Final Sip of Encouragement
A little soul caffeine for you, weary parent: Mama (or Dad), you are not crazy—you are called. ✨
Parenting isn’t about being a perfect parent—it’s about becoming a patient one. God is walking with you—through the eye rolls, the snack demands, and the growing pains.
And remember—you’re doing better than you think. 💛✨
Don’t despise the hard moments. They’re holy ground. Growth for your child and grace for your heart often bloom in the same soil.
You’ve got this. And more importantly? God’s got you.
📣 Call to Action
💛 Drop a 🙏 if you’re in Parenting Patience Bootcamp right now! And grab your “Parenting: The Biblical Lesson in Patience You Never Asked For” mug—featuring Proverbs 14:29: “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
Because some days, we all need a little extra grace (and caffeine). ☕😂
👋 Hello,
Hi, I’m Hello Felicia (no bye felicia here 😜), a physician assistant turned creative content writer, coffee and tea enthusiast, and Christ follower. I help moms (and the professionals who serve them) find peace in the chaos through bite-sized encouragement and bold faith. Welcome to FaithSips.com, where motherhood meets Scripture and Grace.
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