I'll like to define Godly parenting as a method of child up bringing that focuses on God as the creator and giver of children and so has the sole wisdom to guide any parent aright in bringing up a child that will be useful to himself, his parents and the society at large.
Having said this, we should realise that we are in a time when children seem to be rebellious. They tend to feel that they are being chocked with 'dos and don'ts' of life.
The truth is if we as parents don't learn to study the word of God and seek for divine direction to guide these children aright, we may lose track of knowing the reason why they behave the way they do.
What steps should be taken?
(i) Put yourself in their shoes: Frankly, parents tends to forget that they were once children. So they tend to be too judgmental in there approach to every action taken by their children.
What do I mean by this? Let me give you this example: Imagine a parent that does not believe in education, this parent could feel that a child that is bent on getting educated at all cost is being rebellious. Why? because they do not understand the benefits that is attached to his desire.
(ii) Understand their feelings: We need to try to see things the way they see it and try as much as possible to correct them in love. Let's try not to be judgmental at every opportunity though we might be tempted.
(iii) Befriend Them: Are you friends with your children? or have you built a certain degree of fence consciously or unconsciously around yourself? Are you accommodating? Are you approachable? These are questions you need to answer sincerely.
(iv) Study their act: Not all children are alike. Even identical twins have their own individual behaviour. So please, in all you do, try not to compare your children with the Jones'. It is also not advisable to compare siblings.
(V) Do not forget to apply God's formula whenever necessary: What is God's formula? The book of Proverbs 13:24 says 'He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes'.
Also Proverbs 22:15 says 'Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him'. The truth is that, you did not purchase these children from some store or trade fair. God gave them to you. So please if God feels you should apply the cane sometimes kindly do so. Also note that you have to explain why the child has to be caned. I do it too and it has worked. But note that if you have applied the principle well, you will not have to use the cane when the child has pasted the age of 10 years.
In conclusion, you cannot give what you don't have so it is necessary to be well equipped with the ways of God through His words in order to raise Godly children.
Having said this, we should realise that we are in a time when children seem to be rebellious. They tend to feel that they are being chocked with 'dos and don'ts' of life.
The truth is if we as parents don't learn to study the word of God and seek for divine direction to guide these children aright, we may lose track of knowing the reason why they behave the way they do.
What steps should be taken?
(i) Put yourself in their shoes: Frankly, parents tends to forget that they were once children. So they tend to be too judgmental in there approach to every action taken by their children.
What do I mean by this? Let me give you this example: Imagine a parent that does not believe in education, this parent could feel that a child that is bent on getting educated at all cost is being rebellious. Why? because they do not understand the benefits that is attached to his desire.
(ii) Understand their feelings: We need to try to see things the way they see it and try as much as possible to correct them in love. Let's try not to be judgmental at every opportunity though we might be tempted.
(iii) Befriend Them: Are you friends with your children? or have you built a certain degree of fence consciously or unconsciously around yourself? Are you accommodating? Are you approachable? These are questions you need to answer sincerely.
(iv) Study their act: Not all children are alike. Even identical twins have their own individual behaviour. So please, in all you do, try not to compare your children with the Jones'. It is also not advisable to compare siblings.
(V) Do not forget to apply God's formula whenever necessary: What is God's formula? The book of Proverbs 13:24 says 'He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes'.
Also Proverbs 22:15 says 'Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him'. The truth is that, you did not purchase these children from some store or trade fair. God gave them to you. So please if God feels you should apply the cane sometimes kindly do so. Also note that you have to explain why the child has to be caned. I do it too and it has worked. But note that if you have applied the principle well, you will not have to use the cane when the child has pasted the age of 10 years.
In conclusion, you cannot give what you don't have so it is necessary to be well equipped with the ways of God through His words in order to raise Godly children.
