Biblical Parenting

The foundation of Biblical parenting part 2 builds further on the lessons taught in Part 1 by taking a solid look at the scriptures in helping parents understand God's plan in our lives and that of our children.

Ever wonder exactly what the Biblical Foundation of Parenting was? Where it began and what those early family expectations mean for families today? Ever wonder where to find that foundation for your own family?

In "Children Are Born Believers in God, Academic Claims" The Daily Telegraph, Nov. 25, 2008, Dr. Justin Barrett notes;

I'm a Christian, and I'm the mother of three children.  Like other Christian parents, I want my children to become Christians themselves, to grow into adults who choose to love and serve God.  I pray that they stay on God's narrow pathway throughout their lives, marry Christian spouses, go to church, and be examples of Christ's light everywhere they go.  While they are still children, I want them to behave well, be obedient and kind, and follow the moral rules from God's Word ("thou shalt not steal," "thou shalt not bear false witness," etc.).  I want them to develop honesty, patience,

Sometimes it can be difficult for parents in today's modern world to consider the Bible an applicable parenting resource. After all, the Bible's words were written thousands of years ago. Life has changed a lot since then! Parents may feel so detached from the culture and situations presented in the Bible that they never even consider using God's Word as an instruction for parenting.

Christians are a distinct type of people.  We believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, that He lived on this earth as a man, that he was crucified on a cross, and that He was resurrected by God the Father's power after three days.  We believe that He lives today, sitting at the right hand of the Father, praying for His people on earth.  We believe that all people are born sinners with no true good in their hearts.  We believe that it's necessary to confess our sins and ask for the cleansing of Jesus' Blood.  We believe this is the only way to restore a union between o

Teaching obedience from the time a child first begins to understand our words (around 12 months for most children), is the easiest way. For example, little toddlers often turn and run the other direction when Mom or Dad calls to them. They look so cute with their toddling run and laughing face that Mom or Dad usually runs after them smiling and saying things like, "Oh, come back here, you cutie!" in a sing-song voice. When the parent catches up to the child, he picks her up and kisses her face. We've all done it!

Often, parents fail to realize how far from the Biblical model of teaching obedience they have strayed until the preschool years hit. Around ages three and four, children can become more determined to go their own way and make their own decisions. Yes, it is the natural budding of independence on the path toward adulthood. Developing independence, however, is best done within the context of a parent's guidance.

Teaching Obedience To Preschoolers For The First Time

Consistency. You've heard it a thousand times, but consistency truly is the key to successfully teaching and molding your children. As children grow up and become more mature and 'worldly-wise,' being consistent in what is acceptable and unacceptable becomes even more important. During the early elementary years, parents can find themselves falling into the trap of 'multiple warnings.' Imagine this scenario:

In the midst of day to day living, it can be hard to remember to enjoy our children. For a mother who must cook three meals each day, tackle the laundry that never seems to end, nurse the baby, homeschool the older kids (or help with homework), correct behavior, vacuum, sweep-don't forget to shower!-fold clothes, wash dishes, and try to maintain a relationship with the Lord through prayer and Bible study, finding time to actually enjoy her children can seem like an impossible task. She may feel that she is fitting the children into the crevices left by all her other tasks.