“The goal of parenting isn’t to create perfect kids. It’s to point our kids to the perfect God.”

-Lindsey Bell

As a parent, I have experienced times when I was hesitant to discipline my child out of fear based on experiences from my own childhood, and even though discipline doesn’t feel good, it is essential. As children of God, even we need discipline to model the exemplary representation of what we want our children to learn. It is the love we have for our children that creates the desire for them to have the very best life, like the love God has for us all. Through corrective measures, our babies are given direction and guidance they essentially need to reach their full potential.  By disciplinary action, we are setting our children up for the fulfillment God has prepared for them in the future and will make a difference between leading a rewarding life or a destructive one. That uncomforting moment of punishment is only temporary and reaps many benefits that are lasting until adulthood. The obedience instilled in one’s childhood produces works of self-control and the ability for them to live out the call of God on their lives. Obedience gives clarity, shape morals, and helps them maintain healthy relationships with others. As they grow into adults, they will understand how every decision we made as parents was ultimately for their good. As we set a loving and nurturing order for our children, we give them structure and security along with balance. The life of a parent can be challenging, but rewarding, which is one reason God has given us Scripture for instruction. The Word of God helps us raise our children to love God and others with all their heart, to be understanding and caring, always feeling protected and safe in the love we’ve instilled in their lives by the dedication of obedience they’re taught. In case no one has told you yet, you’re doing an amazing job!

Tips for a Christian Parenting Approach

• Set goals.
• Create healthy standards.
• Stay consistent, for consistency is key.
• Reinforce commitment.
• Establish boundaries.
• Incorporate positivity in your parenting along with rewards.
• Communication, ask questions.
• Implement love and understanding in your parenting.
• Model your expectations in your own behavior.
• Make family time a priority.
• Have patience, as results are not always immediate.
• Recognize your own weaknesses and limitations.
• Pray! Pray for your child and cast all your cares, doubts, and fears to the Father.

Scripture:

Matthew 19:14 “But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.””

3 John 1:4 ^“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Hebrews 4:7-11 “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”