Ah, the fruits of the spirit! Can you imagine a life with sweet little fruits running around your home? Loving children filled with joy. A peaceful home. A place where everyone is kind, gentle, and responsible. Could such a home exist outside of the pearly gates? Read on, parents. A fruity life could be closer than you think!
#1 “It is not all about YOU!”
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” --Mark 10:45
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The world will tell you that we, as parents, need to instill a high self esteem in our children. But the Word will tell you that we are to be humble and modest and not esteem ourselves. So what truth should we pass along to our children? “It is not all about you” can be the most powerful six words you can say to a child. These words, when spoken in love and earnest, will encourage them to seek out ways to serve others and to live a life of humility. (Kindness)
#2 Show J-O-Y!
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"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” – John Piper
Once parents have driven home the very humble notion that life itself does not revolve around the child’s every want and desire, they are able to further encourage a child to have JOY in his or her life: to put Jesus first, then Others, and lastly Yourself. When we teach our children to think of Christ and those around them BEFORE themselves, they will be filled with JOY that comes only from serving others over self! (Joy)
#3 The most obedient children are also the happiest and most self respecting children.
“He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.” --Proverbs 15:32
A parent’s job is to maximize a child’s happiness through discipline so that he/she may be happily obedient. We all know children--and even adults--who resist discipline and authority at every turn. These are also often the most unhappy folks. Joyful obedience can come about only when a child is taught to be humble, modest, filled with JOY. This way of life brings happiness to adults too! (Self-Control)
#4 Love should not be confused with reasoning, bartering, or compromise.
“Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.” --Proverbs 19:18
God has blessed you with the responsibility of caring for His children here on earth. Parents, hold fast to the Word, and don’t be seduced by the teachings of the world. Parents are to be leaders for their children; they should never feel pressured to give in to their every earthly desire, but rather focus on the adults that these children will one day become. Working to raise a Christ-like, responsible, contributing adult is the ultimate way to demonstrate true love to your child. (Patience)
#5 Communication, Consequences, and Consistency: THAT’s what discipline is all about!
“Let your yes be yes and your no be no.” – Matthew 5:37
Parents should parent as leaders, understanding that to discipline is to “disciple.” By effectively communicating what you expect from your children and consistently holding true to these expectations and consequences, your children will develop an overwhelming sense of security in knowing their boundaries and knowing that they can always count on your word to be true. Period. (Faithfulness)
#6 Being a mother is ONE role in your life. Let go of the guilt!
Genesis 3
Above all else, parents, especially moms, you must let go of the guilt. There is no such thing as a perfect parent on earth. There is only one Perfect Parent—and a quick skim of Genesis 3 will remind you of what His children did! Part of letting go of the guilt is realizing that in many cases where there is mother liberation, there is marital restoration. Love your children, but don’t be IN LOVE with your children. For any of the above to resonate completely, we must be husband and wife FIRST in the home. For single parents, let the role of mother or father be second. Give your children the gift of security by being in love with your spouse! (Love)
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Stacey Watts is the parenting coach for Happily Parenting. She has been a classroom teacher for grades PreK through 2nd grade in both public and private settings for over 14yrs. Stacey speaks to church groups, conducts individual coaching, and provides training for childcare and school staff groups.