Collins Country

On Children

Here’s my two cents on bringing up baby:

Bring them up in the Word

The principals in the Bible are unchanging and true.  Whether you just focus on the Ten Commandments, or memorize the entire New Testament, teach your children what God says!

Be consistent

It’s hard to be a perfect parent and we all fall short in one area or another.  If you only focus on ONE thing (don’t slam the door, don’t argue, whatever…), make sure you are consistent in that one thing.  Your children will learn that they can count on you to be the same “yesterday, today and forever”. (I hope that doesn’t sound blasphemous).

Have fun with them

I can promise you that if you do not make time for fun with your children you will always regret it.  And it’s so EASY!  This was not a strong area for me.  I was so busy trying to create perfect children (as if!) that I didn’t take time to enjoy who they were!

Do not make idle threats

My, oh my!  Take time to think about things before you blurt them out.  If you say “Marshall, if you do that one more time I am going to spank you.” And then yell at him the next three times he misbehaves, you’ve just taught him you do not mean what you say. 

If you say “The next time you do that you are going to your room for twenty-four hours” and then decide that’s too harsh and don’t follow through, you’ve again taught your child that your word is not to be trusted.

Stick to your guns

If you DO make the mistake of making a threat that you later regret, it is better to follow through and just make up your mind never to do it again.  Using the above example of twenty-four hours in the room – it’s seems like an excessive punishment, but neither life nor limb is in peril.  Better, of course, to watch what you say in the first place!

Obviously, if you realize that it endangers your child’s health or well-being, this rule does not apply, as in “Johnny, if you say that bad word again I will make you drink a gallon of dish soap!” ~shudder~

NOTE: This same rule applies when you make promises.  If you want your child to trust you, do not say "we are going to the park tomorrow" unless you know you will.  I realize sometimes things come up, and kids will understand.  If things always seem to come up, you are making too many promises that you can’t keep.  Your children want to trust you!

Speak Life

This is another easy one!  Encourage your children.  Inspire your children.  You are the number one influence in their lives and what you speak into them now will reverberate forever!

Sorry, I just felt kind of “preachy” this morning!

No apologies necessary!

{ 11:58 , Monday, August 7, 2006 } { Posted by Darcy }

Very good advice and I couldn't agree with you more on the need to be consistent with the children. Following through with a consequence isn't always easy but it's worth it in the end. My kids know that I keep my word and that I expect the same from them.

Keep on preachin'!
Darcy