Almost every occupation requires education or training. But for parenting, arguably the most important job in the world, there is no such prerequisite. And children don’t come with instructions! As a result, parents can feel overwhelmingly inadequate and at a loss  for how to do the job well.

If that describes your feelings about parenting, take courage. There are several trusted sources that you can look to for help, including mentors—wise, godly men and women who have been where you are and have years of experience. Mentors are great listeners, encouragers, and advisors who can offer support, guidance, and invaluable insight based on their own successes and mistakes.

Potential mentors are all around you. In fact, they may be your own parents or grandparents. Or perhaps they’re friends who have children older than your own. Or an empty nest couple in your neighborhood or church. Identify a couple, or person, whose parenting style you admire. Connect with them. Share your concerns and your fears, ask questions, listen, learn from their experience, put their wise advice into practice, and begin to feel more confident as a parent than ever before.