3. Be a Teacher: After being a counsellor,
a parent also has the right to be their child’
s teacher. This is the God-given privilege
of speaking biblical based wisdom and
truth into our child/ren’s lives. When
talking issues through, teach your
child/ren teach the biblical reason for the
right response. Avoid just telling them what
to do, for in my opinion that is more
legalistic and can result more easily in
rebellion, rather than wise, loving and
respectful parenting.
Implant good
theology into your children for the rest of
their lives. Treat them how you want to
be treated. Doesn’t God give us the why
rather than just rules? Talk to your child
about WHY they should show grace and
pray for their enemies…talk to them about
WHY that person in their life has most
likely made that bad choice…WHY they
should forgive and so on.
4. Be an Encourager: Life is tough and children need encouragement. Speak words of life into your
child/ren’s lives. Tell them the special things you know about them. Help them see their talents and run the
race with joy. Tell them God has a good plan for them! As a parent there will be times when you need to
rebuke your child but follow it up with encouragement…reassure them as God does us.
5. Be a Model: As a Christian parent we MUST model our faith as this will speak louder than any words.
We must be aware we will become a reflection of the Father to our children and of the accountability that
brings. We MUST be the constant, stable, faithful, wise person in our child/ren’s lives. We need to model
how to seek God first at all times and especially in relation to dealing with tragedy and our emotions; how to
comfort others; how to respond appropriately with self-control; how to not live a fleshly driven life; how to
intentionally worship God during the week and how to have quiet time with Him and so on. We MUST
model a life where God’s grace is sufficient because the world won’t. Finally don’t be afraid to lead your
family spiritually, as we teach by example and are equipping our children for their future.
see more from Melanie Baker-Nash at Life of an Ordinary Aussie Woman
by Melanie Baker-Nash
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