Time
The importance of time
B1 Doing things with children.
C1 There are 2 extremes one to be overprotective and the other to be neglectful.
C2 We need moderation.
B2 Involving children in life’s situations and problems
B3 How to Really Love Your Child
B4 There is a difference between so-called quality time and time.
B5 The importance of time with a child
For example, a new study has been published in the Journal of Family Issues, led by Brown University sociologist Gregory Elliott. This study shows that adolescents who believe they matter to their families are less likely to threaten or engage in violence against family members. The concept of “mattering” is that an individual believes they make a difference in the world around them. According to the study, mattering is composed of three factors—awareness, importance, and reliance. Do others know you exist? Do they invest time and resources in you? Do they look to you as a resource? Elliott asserts that mattering is the fundamental motivation in human beings. (Source)
B6 Some suggestions
C1 If possible, take one child on an errand to the bank, store, etc.
C2 Accompanying you to see you resolve a problem with a business matter.
C3 Let them see when you fail. How you react teaches them how to handle disappointment.
C4 You have a repair project. Do it with your child/children.
C5 You are a role model.
Remember: Links are not necessarily endorsed. Always be cautious.
Promises
The importance of keeping promises
B1 All promises are expected to be truth.
B2 Types
C1 Promises to do, etc.
C2 Commitments to a church, club, etc.
C3 Promises to your spouse
B3 Yes and no
C1 Example
D1 “Yes, you can have another piece of pizza.” Don’t lie to them.
D2 “No, you cannot have another piece of pizza.” Don’t lie to them. No amount of whining, yelling, having a meltdown, will sway you. You promised no, so no means no. To give in shows them that they are boss, they can manipulate you, and you are a liar. This is not good.
C2 Psalms 15:1,4 ERV A song of David. LORD, who can live in your Holy Tent? Who can live on your holy mountain?...They hate those who fail to please God and honor those who respect the LORD. If they make a promise to their neighbor, they do what they promised.
B4 Articles:
C1 5 Reasons for Keeping Promises to Your Children
C2 The pain of a broken promise
Consistency
The importance of consistency
B1 Household rules
C1 All must follow the rules.
C2 Things happen, so allow flexibility, but in general follow the rules.
C3 As children grow older bedtimes, etc. change, so allow them to be mature and responsible.
C4 Consistency in success and failure. Consistency in following the rules or not following the rules.
B2 Parents life and habits
C1 Parents are role models.
C2 Your actions in public and private is probably going to be mirrored by your children.
B3 Articles:
C1 Why Does Consistency Matter in Parenting?
C2 Be Consistent with Your Child
Married Love
The importance of Biblical love between parents
B1 Your spouse is the highest priority except for God.
B2 Your spouse is more important than your child.
B3 Love is a choice, not necessarily passion.
C1 The Greek word for love is ἀγάπη agápē.
C2 According to Greek Lexicon Of The New Testament, Abbott-Smith, this word means
D1 signifying properly love which chooses its object
D2 is fitly used in NT of Christian love to God and man, the spiritual affection which follows the direction of the will, and which, therefore, unlike that feeling which is instinctive and unreasoned
C3 So if your spouse has a difficult day or for whatever reason she is upset with you, you still love her and she you.
C4 This love of choice leads to the next point.
B4 The actions of love are in 1 Corinthians 13.
C1 My translation: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 WEL Love is very patient and kind; love is not envious; love doesn’t brag about itself, is not haughty, 5 Doesn’t behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn’t easily aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, 6 Doesn’t rejoice in injustice, but rejoices with the truth, 7 Bears all things believes all things, hopes all things, calmly endures all things. 8 Love never falls away...
C2 These are the actions of love.
C3 They are seen in public and private.
C4 It is consistent.
C5 It doesn’t end.
C6 It is in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.
C7 We cannot do this perfectly. Only God can. But He gives us grace for it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that all Christians have. See Galatians 5:22-23 and Ephesians 5:9.
B5 Listen, really listen to your spouse. There is no need to start giving advice, just LISTEN. Doesn’t God listen to you?
B6 Seek God’s wisdom first, then your spouse. Husbands need to listen, seek, and follow their wives’ advice before someone else. God gave her to you. No other human knows you better than they do.
Preparing for Marriage
The importance of preparing for marriage
B1 Hormones
C1 Girls
D1 Need to learn about their hormonal changes before it happens. Otherwise on their first bleed, they may be scared that something horrible has happened.
D2 Need to learn to chart their periods.
E1 Teaching your teen to chart her cycle could literally save her life
E2 Periods
D3 And many other things.
D4 How to be aware of narcissists and other manipulators.
E1 Danger Signs Tally Sheet He also sells a more in-depth book.
E2 10 Men Christian Women Should Never Marry
E3 How to avoid choosing a charming, deceitful narcissist for a spouse
E4 There are many others search for Red Flags in Dating or whatever
C2 Boys
D1 How to respect women
E1 Teaching our Boys to Respect Women
E2 Start young. Teach them respect by
F1 Respecting women yourself, especially your wife. Speak respectfully as to your greatest friend and partner in life. Be kind, Be compassionate. LISTEN! To her.
F2 Have consequences to disrespecting your wife (their mother). Mom and Dad must agree what that consequence is and MUST be consistent. Start at 2 years old.
E3 Raising Godly Boys Who Respect Women
D2 Lust
E1 Just reacting to seeing a beautiful woman is nothing. It is when you stare, undress her, etc. Don’t pay attention to the stupid 20 second rule.
E2 Some helpful articles: Love, Honor, Vacuum Blog topic lust.
C3 You might consider the courses from Love, Honor, Vacuum
B2 God’s beliefs about sex. They will learn them, so it is better they learn from you. If you are unable or whatever, then the church must teach it. Why should they learn from the world’s ways and standards?
B3 Teach them the warning signs of narcissists, sociopaths, psychopaths, etc.
Apologetics
The importance of apologetics
B1 Christianity is most reasonable. Know why and teach it.
B2 The importance of truth.
B3 The importance of being a little skeptical.
B4 Know sources of answers to contradictions, philosophies, etc.
B5 There are answers.
C1 Some of the primary areas of questions
D1 Jesus
D2 Bible
D3 Science
D4 Hell
D5 Evil
C2 Some other main questions all parents should know and teach their children.
D1 See 65 Apologetics Questions Every Christian Parent Needs to Learn to Answer. The main site is here.
D2 Parents need to research these questions to answer them reasonably.
B6 Some sites:
C1 The Domain for Truth (he deals with many apparent contradictions)
C2 Be Thinking
C6 An Introduction to Christian Apologetics
C7 And many others
Finance
The importance of finance
B1 Give them some money.
B2 Tell them that this is all they get this week.
B3 If they spend it all in one day, so be it. It is now gone.
B4 Do not give in and give them more. Then they will know that when you give in, you’re not trustworthy and a pushover.
B5 What we say needs to be truth. Yes must mean yes and no mean no.
B6 We need to be consistent.
B7 If we give in to their tears, whining, temper tantrum, they will always do that to get what they want, even when they are adults.
B8 Teach them that debt is to be avoided unless absolutely necessary (as when buying a house). If you have debt, you are a slave to the holder of that debt.
B9 Give to the church as God has prospered.
B10 Pay your bills on time.
B11 Have a safety fund. Teach your children to have one, too, even when they are young as 6 or younger.
B12 Don’t cosign.
B13 Articles:
C1 15 Ways to Teach Kids About Money
C2 You might find something here: Ultimate Resources for Teaching Kids About Money
C3 Maybe one of these will be helpful: My 10 Best Financial Literacy Apps for Kids
C4 Show your kids how you earn money, spend money, save money, make wise buying choices, debt, etc. By observing you, they will learn real life.
Remember: Links are not necessarily endorsed. Always be cautious.
Teamwork
The importance of family teamwork
B1 Working together has many benefits as
C1 Cooperation, teaching mature behavior in difficult and happy situations, sharing sorrows and victories together, sense of belonging, learning teamwork, anticipating another person’s actions to help them, sharing, etc.
C2 Quotes:
D1 Problem solving (this means finding new and creative solutions in situations where you’re stuck or can’t work through your issues)
D2 Managing conflict (this means managing and resolving disagreements in a collaborative and positive way)
D3 Talking and listening (this means communicating in ways that help you connect and strengthen your relationship)
D4 Backing each other up (this means parenting in consistent and supportive ways)
D5 Accepting each other (this means living with and valuing each other’s differences)
D6 Source
B2 Bible verses:
C1 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NET Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up. 11 Furthermore, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm, but how can one person keep warm by himself? 12 Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him. Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken.
C2 Very fitting is Ecclesiastes 4:8 LSV There is one, and there is not a second; even son or brother he has not, and there is no end to all his labor! His eye also is not satisfied with riches, and [he does not say], “For whom am I laboring and bereaving my soul of good?” This also is vanity, it is a sad travail.
C3 Proverbs 27:17 CSB Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.
C4 Also see 1 Peter 4:8-10, 1 John 1:7, and Ezra 3:8-9.
B3 Articles:
C2 More related to business but shows practical applications: 5 Ways Leaders Must Build a Family Environment to Achieve Excellence
Work
The importance of work
B1 We need to work as best as possible without someone watching
B2 Honorable work
C1 College is not necessary, unless one needs that type of education as medical fields, education, law, engineering, etc.
C2 Skilled trades
C3 Community College (2 year) for many computer related sciences.
B3 Family chores
C1 Don’t pay them for family chores.
C2 They can’t go to bed until the chose is done.
B4 As much as possible work together. In the evening, clean and pick-up the house together. Mom, dad, and children all work together to finish it.
B5 Dads are never to say, “It’s woman’s work.” Do not be a lazy bastard. Work together.
B6 A child should be getting up in the morning on their own by the time they are 8. They need to know how to set an alarm, get up, clean, and dress. Parents are to prepare them to be responsible, mature adults.
B7 Articles:
C1 New Study Finds Teens’ Early Work Experiences Have Long Lasting Career Benefits
C2 How Can Teens Benefit from Working During Their Youth?
Responsibility
The importance of responsibility
B1 Chores being delegated and done without reminding them. This is our goal.
B2 Dad and Mom need to be consistent, too. They need to have and do chores, too.
B3 After showers, everyone picks up their clothes and towels and carries them to the laundry basket.
B4 Let them plan and prepare a whole meal. This should be when they are young say 10 years old or even younger.
B5 Teach them that choices have consequences. Don’t bail them out or you’ll be doing it again and again.
B6 Don’t praise them for doing their routine chores, if so, praise becomes routine. Thank them when they do a hard job done well or doing extra.
B7 Children want to help, especially when they are young.
C1 Take the time to teach them to wash dishes, dry them, and put them away.
C2 Take the time to teach them to clean up after themselves.
C3 Take the time to teach them to do laundry and other household tasks.
C4 What will they do when they are ready to leave home and cannot do any of these things?
C5 Parents are not servants. They must teach the children how to be independent adults.
C6 Accept goof ups when they start. Do not criticize them. Work together. It takes time to learn. When I first started nursing, I made errors. I learned from my errors. Over time (41.5 years worth) I became very experienced. So, it is to learn anything. Have mercy when they start learning these things.
C7 Let them have more independence. At 5-6, they should be able to wash, dry, and put away most of the dishes. At 10 they should be able to make a complete meal. We’re not talking about being a chef but a basic meal. Don’t hover over them when they are cooking but be available for their questions. You don’t like someone doing that to you, so respect them.
Avoid Abuse Teachers
Don’t follow abusive teaching “child experts” like Michael Pearl or Ted Tripp.
B1 I followed Michael Pearl’s teaching and ruined my family. Learn from my stupidity and do not follow his teaching. Burn his books.
B2 All abuse is wrong. Do not abuse your spouse, your parents, your neighbor, your boss, your co-workers, your church leaders, etc.
B3 Articles:
C1 Pearl: Some Michael Pearl Quotes on Child Training and here
C2 Tripp: Shepherding a Child's Heart (a short critique)
C3 The Child as Viper: How Voddie Baucham’s Theology of Children Promotes Abuse
Mercy
Teach the importance of mercy.
B1 No one is perfect. All of us forget sometimes. All of us slop through a job sometimes. The key is sometimes. It should be rare, like not more than once a month. The older they are the more we should expect. We learn from mistakes and errors. Have mercy on your children. Share together what went wrong and what could have been done.
B2 Teach the importance of asking for forgiveness and showing mercy when another asks for forgives. Practice it yourself.
B3 We show others mercy when something is a mistake, something is misunderstood, something is really forgotten, something was an accident, etc. Mercy is not staying angry or seeking punishment even if the rule was broken, there were circumstances that we show mercy instead of punishment. Mercy should be shown when there is obvious repentance or sorrow for what happened and if necessary, offer amends.
B4 A quote:
God will judge those who refuse to show mercy and hold a grudge against others. Mercy is something I have struggled with on my walk of faith and maybe you have as well. I remember being mad at people because they said things behind my back, but God reminded me that I’ve done the exact same thing. You get mad at your kids for having to teach them something over and over, but God has had to teach you the same things over 1000 times. The same things that we get angry at people for is the same thing that we have done to others, but we are too prideful to see it. Before God we have done even worse things. We have to show mercy just like God has shown mercy on us. (Source).
B5 Matthew 5:7 ESV Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Perfection
The importance of knowing you are not perfect
B1 We all fail, but a failing does not mean we are a failure.
B2 Apologize when wrong. Make amends if needed.
B3 Don’t be a legalist.
C1 This is following the rules so closely that there can be no deviation regardless of the situation.
C2 This is also believing that following somebody’s rules will bring blessings from God.
B4 Show some flexibility from time schedules when necessary. Things happen.
B5 Parents can do child raising near perfect and the child might still turn against what they were taught. You are not a failure. They are making bad choices. A parent is not responsible for their adult children.
Remember: Links are not necessarily endorsed. Always be cautious.
Finally,
B1 9 Mistakes Parents Make That Lead Their Children to Absolute Failure
B2 Bible Verses for Parents 10 Bible Verses to Encourage Parents
There are special considerations for single parents, blended families, etc. that are not covered here.
Summary
Parents have a responsibility to raise their children. As much is humanly possible, we are
B1 To teach them the Scriptures and the Christian faith
B2 To develop them into mature, adults
B3 To be independent in taking care of themselves having basic life skills
B4 To be emotionally stable
B5 To be handle satisfaction, success, and disappointments
