Hey sisters in Christ! I hope that you are all doing well. Yesterday at our church was baby dedication day and our Pastor preached an AWESOME message to the parents. He gave 18 practical applications for raising children and I just think I need to share them with you all. They WILL make a difference in your home if you abide by them.
1. Stay together - even when times are bad, even when your marriage feels hopeless...stay together and show them how to work things out. Show them that you never leave because things aren't easy but how it is possible to grow closer through the bad times.
2. Keep them in Church - and don't just send them.....TAKE them...go WITH them! Even if it comes to the point you have to make them go...make them. I am sure there were times when they didn't want to brush their teeth or take a bath but I feel pretty certain you made them do it any way. Don't let satan tell you the lie that they will rebel when they are older because you made them go.
3. Laugh and Have Fun Together - I LOVE THIS ONE!!! No home should be a stranger to laughter and fun. Do whatever it takes to make time for family fun! Mark a date on your calendar, schedule it in however you have to!
4. Tell & Show Them They are Important - Children need security that they are important to you. Go to their school events, be in the stands and cheer them on. Be sensitive to when they need to talk to you.
5. Learn to say "I love you" and "I'm sorry" - For those of you who saying I love you is a common thing...this seems silly to you, but there are homes that never utter these words. And all of us need to realize that we need to say I'm sorry and admit when we are wrong....there are no perfect children and by the same token there are no perfect parents either.
6. Love Unconditionally like God - do not base it on their performance in sports or academics, love them because they are yours and a gift from God.
7. Teach them young and teach them all the time - Look for everyday lessons, in creation, in sports, in life....teach, teach, teach!!
8. NEVER fuss in front of them - This one is soooo important. Doug and I have NEVER argued in front of the girls. You may think I'm joking...I'm not...ask either one of them...they'll tell you they've never heard us argue.
9. Never Contradict each other in front of them
10. Don't compare them to siblings or anyone - NEVER say "I wish you could make A's like your brother" ...or "Why can't you play ball like your sister!?"....never compare them to anyone!
11. Let them be who God made them to be - If they are shy..don't force them into situations that make them feel humiliated or horrified. If they are outgoing...don't try to stifle it!
12. Choose your battles carefully - don't be on them about every little imperfection....learn to let it go...and choose your battles carefully.
13. Discipline - Reward good behavior and punish disobedience.
14. Communicate - Talk and Listen
15. Say "no" and stick to it!
16. Know where they are at all times and who they are with
17. Be and example - show them what it means to serve Christ everyday
18. Pray for your children.
Put these into action and let's raise healthy, happy chidren who love the Lord.
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