Raising Children God's Way: (4) Practical Keys
Lesson 4 of 4: audio and written syllabus included.
Format: MP3 - Digitized Verified
Pages: 14
Session 4: Practical Keys
Mark 10:17-22
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
Sometimes people may not like the answer when it comes to the “how” of working with children, but there are no “magic formulas.” It requires work and time to build the Word into their lives.
The Joy of Parenting
John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
The rest and joy of having children is stolen from parents that fail to apply the Biblical principles of raising children.
Psalm 127:1-5
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. 3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
Remember, God is your partner when it comes to raising children. Without his help, our labor is in vain. He has given us children as a reward.
Whether you are looking forward to being a parent someday, or you already are one, or just concerned about helping others; God’s Word has the answers.
The Two Great Keys: 1.Build Love 2. Faithfulness to Train Your Child
Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Proverbs 29:17
Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Proverbs 23:24
The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
Why share practical keys to raising children?
Titus 2:3-5
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
It is the responsibility of the older women in the church to teach the younger the practical side of caring for their families. Faithful women who have worked the Word of God and applied it to life’s situations have wisdom to share.
Birth
God made a woman’s body to be able to give birth. It is a natural process. Don’t be fearful. Believe God to have the kind of birth experience you decide is the best for you and your baby. Become educated about birth. You may want to consider hiring a doula.
Nursing
“Babies are born to be breast fed.” – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Some Benefits of Breast Feeding
Protects against infection
Most satisfies the baby’s needs
Releases prolactin - the “mothering” hormone
Breast milk is brain food. The first year of life is crucial for brain development. At birth, the human brain is one-third of its adult size. By age one, the brain will grow to two-thirds of its fully developed size.
Breast milk is easily digested by the baby.
Building Attachments – Building Love
A baby begins the bonding process from the moment of birth. Secure attachments to others equip children with the resilience they will need later to face the challenges in life. Those bonds also affect a child’s early learning.
As you care for your children, think about the way Our heavenly Father cares for us.
Your child is unique, so learn your baby. As they grow, develop your understanding of their unique needs and abilities.
Smile
One of the simplest and most important things you can do for your child is to smile at them. Studies have demonstrated that even the youngest infants respond positively to smiles.
They Don’t Stay Babies Long
Enjoy this special time in your life. Make the most of each day.
Mothers and Fathers Have Different Roles
It is the mother that bears and nurses a baby, not the father. He has a different job. As the head of the household.
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: (1Thessalonians 2:7)
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, (1 Thessalonians 2:11)
Training Children to Obey
When Do I Start?
Begin to gently train your child somewhere between six and nine months old. Most people wait to long to start.
11
To Obey:
Listen
Remember
Do
Raising Children God’s Way
Session 4: Practical Keys
How Do I Use the Rod?
1.With Love
2.With Believing
What is My Goal with the Rod?
1.To get their attention
2.To get them to change
Never Use the Rod in Anger
If you are the least bit angry, walk away until you have control of your emotions.
Temper Tantrums
Tantrums are not an acceptable expression of emotion. Do not allow them.
Be Diligent
Your child is your responsibility.
“Terrific Twos”
Never call it the “terrible twos.” The first three years of life are most crucial time of development. If worked with early enough, children will have “terrific twos.”
Proverbs 20:11
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work [be] pure, and whether [it be] right.
What Do I Do Now?
What if I haven’t been doing these things and my child is already older?
Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Who is the Parent?
You. Your child needs to obey you, not the reverse.
Obeying the First Time
A child needs to obey the first time you tell them something. Expect and require that standard.
Meaning What You Say
Say what you mean and mean what you say. Don’t make idle promises; don’t make idle threats. Have Integrity to your words.
Battle of the Wills
Every parent will find themselves in a battle of wills with their child someday. You must win it every time.
Loving and Teaching Children
Teaching the Word of God to our children is a joy! Have fun with it. Be imaginative in your approach.
Act it out
Draw
Play
Play is a great way to teach children God’s Word. It is also essential to a child’s development. Play is a primary way to spend time with your child and communicate love to them.
Deuteronomy 6:7
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Music
Choose age appropriate music. Teach God’s Word with songs. Music is contagious.
Reading
Choose books that communicate the right message with both the words and pictures they contain. Make reading a fun activity. Build heart.
Sleep
Getting the right amount of sleep is essential to a child’s development and behavior.
Food
Eat healthy foods. Choose foods close to the source. Include plenty of raw fruits and vegetables.
Work
Work with your child and teach them how to work.
Guard Your Children
Whether it is books, movies, television, friends, or anything else; be sure that everything in your child’s life has your stamp of approval on it.
Self Control
Children need to be taught to control their emotions by eighteen months old, or it will be very difficult for them to learn this later. How well they do that is solely dependent on their parents. Teach a child how to renew their minds by helping them to change their minds.
Routines
Children need and thrive on routines. Consistent times for waking, meals, praying, and sleeping make children feel safe. A bedtime routine is very helpful for a child go to sleep.
Potty Training
The current trend is for children to be much older before being potty trained, but it is available or most children to be potty trained by age two.
Fellowship Behavior
Train children to sit quietly through fellowship meetings. Encourage their participation in songs and prayers. Don’t let a child disrupt the fellowship.
Communication
Talk to your child. A baby can understand far more than they can communicate back. Talk baby talk with your baby, but not your toddler. Engage your child in conversation. If you want your teenager to talk to you someday, listen to your toddler.
“Leave somebody standing when you go.”
Psalm 124:8
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.