PARENTING ADVICE - establishing standards of conduct

Most of us have an innate desire to improve our families; we may try as hard as possible and do everything we can think of, and yet our parenting advice gives results that are the exact opposite to the ones we want. When dealing with young children and teenagers, we wonder how to influence them in the best possible way. Do we punish? Do we smack? Do we send them to the room by themselves? Is is right to use our superior size or strength or mental development to force them to do what we want them to do? Or are there principles that can help us understand and know how to influence in a better way?

Our children are a wonderful gift from God, and it's our responsibility to offer parenting advice and to teach them about Him. As parents, out goal is to influence both the hearts and minds of our children towards God. God instructs us to teach our children: "Teach God's word diligently unto thy children.... (Deutoronomy 6:7)

Personalities are often evident from birth; some children are born protesting, while others are easier, more compliant children. Genetically you get what you get, and parenting advice involves shaping the rough materials through consistent loving discipline. If your child is the strong willed kind you will have your work cut out for you; but strong children can grow into strong adults, who once committed, will not veer from God's way. They often grow into bold, adventurous leaders - the Joshuas, Debrahs and Peters.

Pray with your child parenting advice on how to be still and listen to God will strengthen their sense of peace and integrity.

Your children are the stars in your crown; FamilyLife seminars provide invaluable information on choosing and pursuing clear and appropriate goals for your children, giving them a sense of purpose, making them happy and successful.