Oh, my girl? She’s…fill in the blank… already walking, the lead in the musical, heading to an ivy league… “Parent pride” feels innocent, merely the result of “successful” parenting. But things get sticky when parent pride becomes self-pride. This is what’s called “vanity parenting”. 

You’re probably thinking “Hold on, we can celebrate our kids!” You can! “Vanity parenting” is deeper than celebrating wins—it’s allowing your daughter to be the sole source of your joy. But Nehemiah chapter 8:10 reminds us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. 

Parents: don’t let your daughter be your source of life. This idolized status can lead you down the road of resentment, burnout, and disappointment. Instead, let God take His rightful place in your life as the Giver and Source of joy. 

Listen to the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay: