Parenting Wisdom
- Be diligent – Proverbs 21:5 reads “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty”
- Don’t be contemptuous with each other, especially in front of the kids
- Apologize when you blow it (Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 18:12).
- Discipline them based on their motivations and interest. Spanking doesn’t work for all kids and should be sandwiched in affection, affirmation, and discussion (Hebrews 12:4-12).
- Understand that toddlers understand pain more than reasoning. They have a natural bent towards foolishness. You need to help convince them that your words can be trusted, so don’t make false promises. (Proverbs 22:15).
- Have regular devotional, nightly prayer & weekly/bi-weekly family open heart. (Deuteronomy 4:9, Deuteronomy 4:40, Deuteronomy 6:6-8). Have them serve in ministry with you. Don’t compartmentalize your life. Be open books so they can see what you do and how you do it, especially a life of prayer.
- Speak to them like adults from childhood (2+) Reason with them, explain life, scripture, society, and success to them. Don’t underestimate their ability to comprehend. If you don’t fill the vacuum of their minds with the truth they will find another source.
- Use the Word of God in your instructions – Scripture teaches, [Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. – Ephesians 6:1-4]
- Bless them with resources so they can enjoy life and you can use it as leverage to teach them important moral truths. Also, speak blessings over them and not curses and negativity. Your words will go deep into them more than any physical abuse (Proverbs 18:8).