Parenting

My first child, Olivia, was the easiest, most compliant child to train and discipline.  She was quick to learn, quick to obey, and a pure delight to her mother’s heart! I was quite pleased with my *excellent* parenting skills.

Then, my son, Alec, was born…

Hello STRONG-willed child! Oh. My. Goodness. My little fantasy world was shattered! I was reaping what my husband had sown as a child. Jason’s mother said that he wasn’t even a human being until he turned five! (Great! Now I was left to raise Frankenstein’s little monster!)

After realizing that my precious, chubby cheeked, big blue-eyed boy had rocked my world as I’d known it, I decided that he was not going to turn our happy, peaceful home into chaos. His will was strong, but mine was stronger. I was up for the challenge!

Arming myself with the Word of God and the grace of God, I slowly and steadily trained him to obey quickly and quietly (okay, Jason helped out too). And, obviously, we’re still training him because he’s now sixteen, but he has truly been a joy to both Jason and me! All three of our children bring us the greatest joy and happiness!

I tell you all this to say that I do not set myself up as a “parenting expert,” because I’m not. I always find it extremely amusing when people who have never had children or whose children are still in diapers try to offer parenting advice. I want to tell them to be quiet and talk to me (or whoever they’re offering their sage wisdom to) when they have a little experience under their belts.

My kids are only 19, 16 and 12, so I can only offer what I’ve learned thus far. I haven’t been perfect, nor will I ever be. But the Word of God is perfect, and Jason and I have endeavored to train our children according to biblical standards instead of the world’s. And I must say, God’s Word works!

Our children aren’t without flaw, but they give such delight to our hearts! They are obedient, respectful, diligent (most days), kind, helpful and so much fun to be around! I think “parenting” is the best job on earth!

Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did — they’ll turn out delightful to live with!Proverbs 29:17 (MSG)

Check out these pages:

Desiring Children
10 Prayers for Your Children
Training & Discipline
Enjoy Your Children
Teaching Children to Walk in Love
God Said So! (31 Bible Truths Every Kid Should Know)
Reality Check (31 Bible Truths Every Teen Should Know)