Lately I have found myself making sure I tell my kids things that I want to make sure they know.  Sometimes these moments are just quick little nuggets of advice and counsel. Other times we have full on discussions. I appreciate these times because it makes me think of moments like this when I was a teen. Now that I have teens I appreciate those times more than ever. 

The Book of Proverbs is a wonderful resource for receiving counsel from God especially in the area of how to parent children. Here are three nuggets that I have especially appreciated lately that I want to share with you.

  1. Teach your children the right way to go. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This verse emphasizes the value and urgency of instilling godly values in our kids from when they are a young age until they are grown. When is that? I’m not sure. Is eighteen really grown? I imagine the teaching of your children reaches well into adulthood. Whatever the case, the job of a parent never really ends.
  2. Mix discipline with your love. Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Spankings should be an act of love. But remember discipline is more than giving a spanking. Discipline is setting boundaries and should be aimed at guiding a child’s growth with love being the motivation.
  3. Be understanding and patient. Proverbs 22:15 says,  “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.” Without a doubt children need course corrections, but they need plenty of time to make them. Let them mature at their pace.

Being a parent is tough. It’s hard work that needs encouragement and dedication. If you ever need some advice, guidance, motivation, or counsel let me know and we can talk. I love you. 

For the Lord,

Alex