Parenting by Paul David Tripp
Week 7: Principle 6 — Your Children Need to See You as a Sinner
Read Chapter 6 of Parenting by Paul David Tripp.
Previewing Week 7 of Parenting
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 17-week guide when you’re ready.
This principle tends to surprise parents, but Tripp argues it with great force: one of the most powerful things you can model for your children is not perfection, but honest, grace-covered repentance. Come ready to examine your own pride.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Tripp argues that one of the most important things your children need to see is not a perfect parent but a repentant one. Why is this counterintuitive to us, and why does Tripp think it is so important?
2.He describes the danger of parents projecting an image of authority and competence that leaves no room for failure. What does a child learn about sin, grace, and God when their parent never admits to being wrong?
3.When you have sinned against your child — lost your temper, been unfair, been distracted or dismissive — what has your typical response been?
a.Do you tend to minimize, justify, or deflect?
b.Or do you model genuine confession and repentance?
c.What has your child learned from watching your response to your own failure?