Parenthood Unmasked: Stories From the Trenches

When your child strays from the path you’ve raised them to follow, the road can feel lonely, confusing, and frightening.

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But for mum of four and grandmother of eleven Debbie Prescott, hope was never lost.

Speaking with Hope Weekends, Debbie shared her heartfelt story of parenting through pain, fear, and uncertainty—and how her faith became the anchor that steadied her family.

“My number one message is: never accept less than what Jesus died for,” Debbie said.

“And ask God for the specific strategy for their breakthrough.”

Debbie knows what it’s like to watch a child take a detour.

“My number one message is: never accept less than what Jesus died for.”

Her daughter Rebecca began pushing boundaries at 16, eventually becoming a single mum at 19.

“She was on a downward spiral,” Debbie recalled. “And I had to face the fear in my own heart.”

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That fear became her battlefield.

“Fear lies to you the whole time. You’re praying, but effective prayer has to be in faith, not out of fear.”

One night, Debbie made a stand. “I was in my bedroom yelling, ‘No, I’m not agreeing with that,’” she said, referring to the fearful thoughts about her daughter’s future.

Debbie leaned into scripture, clinging to Deuteronomy 28.

Debbie leaned into scripture, clinging to Deuteronomy 28: “The offspring of your womb is blessed.”

She declared it daily until she believed it. “I also let others into my world… I had women praying for us,” she said.

The journey wasn’t quick—six to seven years passed before Rebecca began to rebuild her life.

Today, she’s a social worker, a passionate believer, and Debbie’s “best friend.”

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

For parents in the trenches, Debbie shares five practical tips:

1. Resign from perfection. “Only Jesus is perfect,” she said.

2. Call out the good. “Say, ‘That’s not your nature. I know who you are.’”

3. Be present. “Drop everything when they want to talk. Don’t overreact.”

4. Set loving boundaries. “It’s not about giving them what they want, but what they need.”

5. And when fear creeps in, Debbie encourages parents to lean on God’s promises. “God is a restorer. He can do what we can’t.”

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

Featured image: photo by CanvaPro