When and How Do We Begin to Train Our Children?
1.Read, Sing and Pray. For us it began by reading the Bible out loud, singing hymns and praying audibly to our children from the time we found out we were expecting. The three most basic things we can do from the beginning are read, sing, and pray. This should continue regardless of age. It is surprising how this helps very young children to memorize songs and scripture.
2.Create Boundaries For Them. As our children began to crawl and walk, we began to create boundaries for them. For example a small blanket for them to play on with a soft toy or soft book. Begin this at home and continue in places like church and extended families’ homes. This is also an important time to learn what “no” means. Patient shepherding and training and being consistent are important for parents.
3.Teach Concepts and Character Qualities. Next, parents should begin teaching concepts and character qualities. There are various lists of character qualities, but some of the most important to start with are:
•Attentiveness, eye contact…paying attention to parents
•Obedience, doing what parents ask
•Orderliness (picking up toys and clothes, etc)
These character qualities should be related to Bible verses and how the characters in scripture demonstrate these qualities in their own lives. (For example, Jesus, the apostle Paul, Jesus’ disciples, OT prophets.)
How Should We Look At The Area of Discipline?
This is a very important area for parents. When a child begins to exert his or her will against the parents will, it is time for training and loving discipline to begin. Parents who truly love their children will discipline and train them. In Proverbs we are told that children who are left to themselves will bring their mother to shame. We are told that God disciplines those He loves.
1.Parents Should Agree on Biblical Methods and Modes of Discipline. When a child needs disciplining, it should never be done in anger.
2.Parents Should be Calm and Kind in their discipline and training and not provoke their children to anger.
3.When Needing to Discipline Small Children:
•Children should be at eye level to the parent.
•Personal responsibility should be established for what the child did or did not do.
•Appropriate consequences should given for the child’s actions.
•Eye contact should be made from the parent to the child and verbal affirmation of love and forgiveness given. It is very important to re-establish fellowship and heart connection with the child after the discipline process.
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