Raising disciplined children

I approach the subject of raising disciplined children as a teacher and student. I am constantly learning new parenting techniques and figuring out the best method to implement in my family. There is absolutely no elitist attitude here! I'll be the first to admit that I'll never arrive at the point of mastery of raising children. I hope to remain at a state of constant learning. It is my goal give you ideas about how to raise children that are well rounded, responsible members of society. This is not an all encompasing article on the subject of parenting.

The first rule is to place Jesus as the head of your life and the center of your family. If you do this, the Holy Spirit will give you all the instruction you will ever need to raise a healthy family. Review, or better yet--memorize, one of our articles entitled 7 Scriptures Every Parent Should Know. However, one of my favorite parenting scriptures is Proverbs 22:6 which reads, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." What you teach them now will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Remain in the word constantly, actively apply it to your life on a daily basis, and maintain a consistent prayer life. 

Notice that in the previous paragraph, I emphasized constant, daily basis and consistent. This is not for dramatic affect. I'm trying to convey how important it is for you to be persistant in your parenting methods. You (and your spouse) must already be or earnestly strive to become unchanging. Your children look up to you and your spouse as moral compasses and behavioral examples. Exemplify the behavior you would like to see in your child and they will be sure to mimic the behavior. Set an example for today and your tomorrow will be that much easier.

Set a firm stance on the important stuff (ie., education, chores, etc.) and stick to it. If your children see that you are willing to bend the rules, they will, most likely, follow them. Plan a meeting with your family discussing all the rules and expectations that you have them. To ensure every topic is covered, sit down with your spouse to create an agenda and goals for the meeting. After the guidelines are established, for them to follow and consequences if they do not choose to follow.

I didn't place the term 'important stuff' in the preceding paragraph as a filler word. To become a good parent and maintain your sanity, it is imparative that you pick and choose your battles. Just because Little Johnny doesn't fold the bed sheets like you do does not mean he is not obeying you. Relax! Little mishaps do not have to turn into WWIII! Don't get into the mode of being so such a disciplinarian that you forget what is important: affirming what your child is doing right. Regularly praise them on accomplishments and you'd be surprised how far he'd/she'd go to repeat that positive behavior. Place little notes in their backpacks or the dresser to let them know how proud of them you are. Give them a big hug just because. Ask their opinion on some household decisions (dinner, weekend activities, etc.). Sit down for dinner at the table and ask how their day was, what their concerns are or talk about something out of the norm (world events, your childhood memories, etc.). The attention given to a child now is priceless to them.

There is no formula for raising disciplined children. Figure out what works for your child and your family. It is never too late. These simple suggestions will make a happier child, happier parent and happier family. 

Share your parenting tips in the comment section.

Prayer/Confession for Peace

This confession is for anyone who is experiencing stress, doubt, or fear about a situation in your life. Worry and fear is meditating. Switch that energy to meditating on the peace of God and promises he's made to you as his son/daughter.

In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. You will keep me in perfect peace because I constantly meditate on your word and trust in you. In the world there will be adversity but I will be of good cheer because Jesus Christ has overcome the world. Since I am justified by faith, I have peace with God through my Lord Jesus Christ. I will not fret or have anxiety about anything; but in every thing by prayer and constant petition with thanksgiving, I will continually make my requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.

Going Green! All Purpose Cleaner

About three months ago, I decided to switch my household chemical cleaners to homemade all-natural cleaners. Not only are they super cheap to make, they are non-toxic AND effective. One of my trustee work horse cleaners is the all-purpose spray. I use it throughout the house from kitchen to bathroom. If you decide to try it, please leave a comment below.

1/2 cup venegar
3 cups water
1/2 cup lemon juice
3 drops of castille soap 

Combine in a spray bottle (not reused from chemical cleaners...chemical residue may remain) and spray on countertops, bathrooms, sinks...you name it. If you're unsure how the cleaner will react to a perticular surface (think bronze, etc.) test a small hidden area.

FREE Educational Software For Your Child

Whether it is to entertain your child for a couple minutes while you cook or give him/her the extra boost they need in school, we believe Sheppard Software is an unparalleled website that offers educational lessons in game form. Sheppard Software is FREE and FUN...one adjective I love (FREE) and one adjectives my kids love (FUN)! They offer an array of subjects at every grade level. Visit Sheppard Software, try it out, and come back to share your thoughts.

Honey Aspirin Scrub Tutorial Video

It doesn't always take a lot of money to pamper yourself. Sometimes, household items, can do the job just fine. We've created a tutorial of how to make and use a honey aspirin scrub/mask that will make your skin feel soft and look radiant. Try it and give us your feedback!

7 Scriptures Every Parent Should Know

Luke 18:15-16 (AMP)

Now they were also bringing [even] babies to Him that He might touch them, and when the disciples noticed it, they reproved them. But Jesus called them [the parents] to Him, saying, Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for to such [as these] belongs the kingdom of God.

Joshua 24:15 (AMP)

..But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

1 Timothy 3:4 (AMP)

He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive...

Proverbs 22:6 (AMP)

Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Psalm 127:3 (AMP)

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Ephesians 6:4 (AMP)

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 13:3-8 (AMP)

Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love (God’s love in me), I gain nothing. Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (he gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].

Don't be afraid to ask your Father...

One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:6 which states, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." AMP

I believe this passage is one of my favorites because it gives insight into a deeper knowledge that God really does care about what we desire or need. We often think that God is too big to care about our small problems or it makes us seem less humble to ask God for something. We couldn't be further from the truth!

Jesus himself said in Matthew 7:11, "If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give good and advantageous things to those who keep on asking Him!" AMP 

Need more scriptures to get this firmly rooted in your soul? Let's look at Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?" AMP

The first part of Philippians 4:6 says, "...do not worry...". That's a big one for most believers because we haven't cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). We feel we have to work it out in our minds and then pray about our problems to God instead of telling our problems about God and resting in the finished work of Jesus Christ. It sounds easier than it is to do but we HAVE to stop worrying.

The second portion of the Scripture compels us to "petition" God for what we desire. Let me state this first: God is all seeing and all knowing. He knows what you need before you even position yourself to ask for it (Matt. 6:8). But it shows a great act of faith and humility on our part to ask God for what we need instead of trying to figure out a solution on our own. God our Father can provide for us infinitely better than we can provide for ourselves.

The third point made in Philippians 4:6 tells us to give thanks while we are praying. It may not seem technically correct to thank someone for something that isn't in your possession yet. However, if you fully understand that we as believers in Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection are joint heirs with Christ, we know without a doubt that we have been blessed with everything we will ever need in this life (2 Peter 1:3 AMP).  

Which leads me to my final thought, we should continually make our requests known to God. Let me clarify, we repeatedly pray not because He didn't hear us the first time or because we're doubting He has done what we've asked for, but because it is through constant communication (prayer) that we obtain knowledge of him. Which in turn leads to our needs being met. Need further explanation? Read 2 Peter 1:3 backwards.  "Through the knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence, His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that is suited to life and godliness." (emphasis mine) 

Here's the formula: Don't worry about your situation; pray about your situation; give thanks to God before your situation is fully resolved; and finally, have constant communication with your Father.