Parenting in the Midst of a Pandemic

by on May 22, 2020

a family outdoors during sunset

Rachael Clinton Chen and Dr. Dan Allender have a conversation with Meredith Dancause—a pastor, writer, and parenting expert—about the complexity of being a parent during a pandemic. Not only parenting young children but how to be a good parent to ourselves. With both humor and honesty, Meredith speaks to positive discipline and grace, the unique opportunity this season affords us, and the need to pause and be curious about our children’s behavior. 

Meredith is trained in the Positive Discipline parenting style which affirms the ultimate good in parenting is to come to solutions together with your children, rather than strictly telling them what they should do. Working together in this uncertain time can be especially challenging as routines are upended and pushed together in many homes. We have a choice, however, with this extra time with our children, to either zone out or lean in and engage. 

“There are broken parts in every one of us that need a good parent.” Dr. Dan Allender 

“What do you think will be some of the lingering good in the midst of this season, for children and parents? Rachael Clinton Chen

“Parenting for me has been such a mirror to the ways that I know God accurately and the false narratives I have about God. All of us need to feel those arms around us and have someone say ‘you are loved’ and to know that is God’s heart towards us, too. It’s an important message to give to one another and to our children.” Meredith Dancause

“In the midst of madness and complexity, what has sustained you, and what hasn’t that you thought might?” Dr. Dan Allender

“Even in the midst of not accomplishing anything I still need a break, and God still has rest for me in that, and that I don’t need to do anything in those moments. That’s not the point. It’s to exist, to be. That’s something new for me that I need to extend to others as well.” Meredith Dancause

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