O-B-E-Y obey your mom and dad;
We used to sing this song every day with our girls when they were little (and on a few occasions as a good reminder even when they were not so little).
Parents, why is it so important that our children obey us? Well, an obvious reason is to keep them safe. Additionally, it is also important for our kids to learn to submit to authority because they will have numerous situations in their lives where they will need to- think of teachers, coaches, police officers, employers, etc. Also, if we want to raise children who will live lives submitted to God (who isn’t physically tangible), then we want them to learn to obey their parents (who are physically tangible).
*Make your expectations clear and concise. (“Bobby, please pick up all of the Legos and put them away in the Lego bin.”)
*Give a consequence for inappropriate behavior, again using the method of your choice. This might include: time-out (one minute per year of age of child), nothing earned for reward chart, no earned privilege or even loss of privilege (“Since you didn’t clean up the Legos like I asked, then you will not be able to play with them for x amount of time.”).
*Natural consequences usually work best. For example, if the child makes a mess, then they need to clean it up. Consider what is age-appropriate- a 3 year old can’t mop the floor, but they can pick up toys and put them in a bin.
*Remember, the goal isn’t to control our children; rather, we want them to learn to control themselves. Disciplining your child can be very challenging and stressful- give yourself a time-out if necessary!
Of course we want our children to “live long and prosper” (great words from the Vulcan Spock, not to be confused with the child-rearing expert Dr. Spock). Let’s help them by teaching them to be obedient!