Children tend to whine and complain. (Ever notice that? 😉 ) Since we have been commanded to “do all things without murmuring or complaining”, we need to help our children overcome this sin. One place we can look for ideas on how to deal with a whiner is in the Old Testament.  The Israelites seemed to specialize in grumbling! What can we learn from observing God’s dealings with His whining […]
Read More →Category: Discipline
In the Way WE Should Go
There is no way we can raise children who love and follow Jesus if we’re not loving and following Him. Our children can’t follow us somewhere if we’re not going there ourselves. If we love Jesus, we’ll want to listen to Him. If we listen to Him, we’ll love Him even more. And if we truly love Him, that love will spill out onto our children, and draw them to […]
Read More →How NOT to Discipline with Scripture
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” …but we can misuse it. Don’t use God’s Word to discipline your children without a real love for God and His Word. Children are experts in detecting hypocrisy. They will see right through you, and be provoked to anger. They will be tempted to reject you or what you are trying to teach them. When […]
Read More →Growth is Gradual
In his recent post on 5 Ways we Grow, Tim Challies gave me a good picture of the patience that is required when we’re looking for growth (in our own lives, or in the lives of our children). We are an impatient people accustomed to instant gratification. But fruit grows slowly. A fruit tree grows gradually and over many years of careful and deliberate cultivation. If you purchase a sapling […]
Read More →Are You Building Them Up?
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19) Here’s a simple project to try. Fill a jar or mug with dry beans. Set two glasses next to the beans. Label one jar with a “+” and one with a “–“. Listen to yourself as you go through the day. Every time you say something positive or edifying to […]
Read More →What I Would Do Differently, Part 4
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1, ESV) Isn’t it amazing that God entrusts newborn babies to people who have absolutely no experience raising children? I remember the panic mixed with joy that I felt when we finally brought our firstborn home from his weeklong stay in NICU. How could they possibly let me take this child home with me? Don’t they […]
Read More →A Perfect Father Whose Children Rebelled
God is the perfect Father. But His children still rebel. They rebelled in a perfect environment while they had perfect fellowship with Him. They rebelled in the wilderness, even after He opened up the Red Sea for them to walk through. Even after He gave them water out of the rock. Even after He gave them food every day. Even after He demolished city walls and conquered nations before them. […]
Read More →Whose kids?
See if this changes your perspective: Print this poster out. Post it in a prominent place where you will see it often throughout the day. Start your day by thanking God for the privilege of being His representative in the lives of your children. Thank Him for entrusting His children into your care. Pray for His wisdom and strength. If your children are really God’s children, what does He want you […]
Read More →A No-Fail Formula
Every time I post a “here’s-one-way-to-approach-this-problem” sort of post, I cringe. I know my own tendency to look for a formula, a step-by-step answer, a guaranteed outcome sort of solution to my current assortment of challenges. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one with this problem. When I suggest a verse to talk about with your children, or list a number of ideas for ways to instruct and direct […]
Read More →How to End an Argument
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1, ESV) If more than one person lives in your household, you will have disagreements. If more than one child lives your household, you’ll have quite a few disagreements. If more than one young child lives in your household, some days will feel like all you have is disagreements. That’s because the people in your household […]
Read More →