Like any change that we make in our lives....I believe it starts with a plan for one day at a time.
As was said on Sunday, giving birth doesn't make you a parent. So, no matter where you are on the parenting spectrum, realize that no one has done it perfectly (cut your own parents a break) - but break the cycle.
I loved the illustration from the "Cinderalla 2" movie. I do think for a lot of parents, there is an electronic-babysitting culture - intentional or not. I wonder how many parents watch and listen to what their kids are listening too. Great job by this parent using things of the culture for teachable moments - instead of sheltering the kids and saying "this movie isn't allowed". Of course, some instances "this movie isn't allowed" would be totally appropriate and good judgment.
I liked the challenge to parents to raise the standard of their parenting and leave a legacy. I do think if you think about this big picture it may be overwhelming...but every decision, every day, every week, every month - the things that you choose for your family to do, to watch, to participate in, if you eat togther etc.......makes a difference.
I liked the point about CARING CONVERSATIONS. Talk to your child about their perception on situations – and listen very carefully. Find out their frustrations and help them to see that God and His Word can help with any situation in life. Because of busy-ness, I think a lot of parents tend to "bark" for lack of a better word orders: brush your teeth, did you do your homework, be home by this time, stop fighting with your sister etc.....and this type of relationship/relating to your child isn't even on the radar screen.
A parent's attitude will come out in a child. I liked the point even about coming to church. Are you excited to get to live in this free country and gather in a public setting where we can freely praise and worship God and hear a word from Him every Sunday? Or is it in an obligation? Are you expecting to get answers and be touched by God every week when you come to church? Do you anticipate that God is going to move and people are going to have their earthly lives and eternities changed? If you serve, do you complain about it? Because a child lives in your home, they know what is truth in your life and heart by your actions.
I grew up in a very small family - but I like hearing about teaching kids about serving each other and the family. It's not just about chores......chores are good and teach responsibility I believe.....but there is a bigger picture. Everyone has a part to play to make this thing called a family work. I like that kind of thinking........it hopefully isn't creating couch-potatoes "gimme" kids out of those homes.
I think it was very wise counsel to limit sleepovers for children. Do you really know how a family operates or all the members of that family unless you have spent a lot of time with them in their home yourself?
The last point that I thought was very good is to remember to bless your child among the discipline/correction. Words are important. We can be disapproving/disappointed with behavior, but the child should know they are still loved and accepted by you and Jesus. I believe this is where they will learn repentance.
Like any change that we make in our lives....I believe it starts with a plan for one day at a time.
ReplyDeleteAs was said on Sunday, giving birth doesn't make you a parent. So, no matter where you are on the parenting spectrum, realize that no one has done it perfectly (cut your own parents a break) - but break the cycle.
I loved the illustration from the "Cinderalla 2" movie. I do think for a lot of parents, there is an electronic-babysitting culture - intentional or not. I wonder how many parents watch and listen to what their kids are listening too. Great job by this parent using things of the culture for teachable moments - instead of sheltering the kids and saying "this movie isn't allowed". Of course, some instances "this movie isn't allowed" would be totally appropriate and good judgment.
I liked the challenge to parents to raise the standard of their parenting and leave a legacy. I do think if you think about this big picture it may be overwhelming...but every decision, every day, every week, every month - the things that you choose for your family to do, to watch, to participate in, if you eat togther etc.......makes a difference.
I liked the point about CARING CONVERSATIONS. Talk to your child about their perception on situations – and listen very carefully. Find out their frustrations and help them to see that God and His Word can help with any situation in life. Because of busy-ness, I think a lot of parents tend to "bark" for lack of a better word orders: brush your teeth, did you do your homework, be home by this time, stop fighting with your sister etc.....and this type of relationship/relating to your child isn't even on the radar screen.
A parent's attitude will come out in a child. I liked the point even about coming to church. Are you excited to get to live in this free country and gather in a public setting where we can freely praise and worship God and hear a word from Him every Sunday? Or is it in an obligation? Are you expecting to get answers and be touched by God every week when you come to church? Do you anticipate that God is going to move and people are going to have their earthly lives and eternities changed? If you serve, do you complain about it? Because a child lives in your home, they know what is truth in your life and heart by your actions.
I grew up in a very small family - but I like hearing about teaching kids about serving each other and the family. It's not just about chores......chores are good and teach responsibility I believe.....but there is a bigger picture. Everyone has a part to play to make this thing called a family work. I like that kind of thinking........it hopefully isn't creating couch-potatoes "gimme" kids out of those homes.
I think it was very wise counsel to limit sleepovers for children. Do you really know how a family operates or all the members of that family unless you have spent a lot of time with them in their home yourself?
The last point that I thought was very good is to remember to bless your child among the discipline/correction. Words are important. We can be disapproving/disappointed with behavior, but the child should know they are still loved and accepted by you and Jesus. I believe this is where they will learn repentance.