Parenting, Consequences, and Trusting God with the Results

 

Some days, parenting feels like planting seeds in rocky soil. You speak truth, set boundaries, hand out consequences — and yet it seems like the lesson bounces right off.

For us with ADHD kids, this can feel even more exhausting. One moment you’re fussing about a repeated behavior, and the next, they’re humming a tune and moving on like the correction never even happened. You wonder: “Did they even hear me? Did any of that sink in? Am I just talking to the walls?”

It can feel like your parenting is in vain. But here’s the truth: it’s not.

Scripture reminds us:
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

That verse doesn’t promise instant results. It doesn’t say, “The child will obey immediately.” It points us to the long game — the lifelong shaping of hearts and character.

Our children may not always give us the validation we crave. They may not look us in the eye and say, “Yes, Mom, I understand, and I’ll never do it again.” But our role as parents isn’t to chase validation. Our role is to be faithful. To plant, to water, to discipline with love, and to keep pointing them back to Jesus.

Even when the lessons don’t show up in their behavior today, God is working in their hearts. What feels like wasted effort is often unseen growth.

For the child who struggles with impulse, hyperfocus, or forgetfulness — consistency matters more than quick results. Yes, you may have to repeat yourself. Yes, it feels like they “don’t get it.” But every correction, every calm consequence, every reminder of truth is a building block in the foundation God is laying in their life.

And when it gets hard — when it feels like nothing is working — remember this: you’re not parenting in your own strength. You’re standing in a calling God gave you.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

Your work is not in vain. Parenting isn’t about instant harvest — it’s about steady sowing, trusting that God sees, God knows, and God will bring fruit in His time.

So take a deep breath, whisper a prayer, and keep going. Fuss when you need to, hug when you can, and trust the Lord with the rest.

Reflection & Challenge

Think of one area where you’ve felt discouraged as a parent. Today, pray over it specifically, asking God to strengthen your patience and faith. Then write down one way you’ve seen even the smallest progress in your child — because growth often hides in the little moments we overlook.

Until next time, keep following the Plott, and I am praying for us all!

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