Parenting

The family is the building blocks of society. Our society is a reflection of what goes on in families that make it up.

God ordained marriages Gen 2:18-20 and the guidelines regarding behaviour in marriage, children and their upbringing and Children's responsibility towards adults are in the word of God, the Bible.: Eph 5 22-33, Eph 6 1-4, Pro. 22:6, Col 3:21.

Our Children are gifts from God and we are custodians of these precious gifts and we should care for them, physically, mentally and Spiritually and prepare them for the future. (theirs and the society's) Parenting is not easy especially in the world that has several theories about the subject. The world sets its values and the children are exposed to these very early and may be influenced by it. Parenting involves "practicing what you preach" it involves consistency, discipline, honesty, good communication and most of all unconditional love in the stable setting of a good marriage. Expose your children to God's words early, pray with them demonstrate the basic Christian principles in your lives. Children are good observers. They pick up on your attitudes and behaviours and model themselves on you their parent.

Do not be afraid to discipline your children, but know the difference between punishment and discipline. Pro.13:24, if you don't discipline your children you don't love them. Discipline promotes growth, punishment inflicts penalty. Children also need confidence, they need to have fun and celebrate being children they need to feel loved, valued, they need parents who are friends, mentors and confidants.

Prayer:

Lord thank you for the gift of children. I pray that I will be good parents to my children (or the ones you will give me), that I will guide them by the principles in the Bible and by my own good examples. Help me to see where I have gone wrong in bringing up my children and help me to resolve any conflicts or misunderstanding in family and with my children. I pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and for his comfort in difficult parenting times. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Recommended reading:

"Preparing our Sons and Daughters for a Powerful Future" By Pastor Dunni Odetoyinbo (Teamwork Publishing Martinsville V A  24412 USA). Copies can be obtained from I. I .C. M. See Resources

Bible Passages:

Ps 127: 3-5

Deut 6:6-7

Pro.19:18