Dad, Daddy, Da-da, Papa, Pop, Pa, Father… no matter what name you call him, he is an incredibly important partner in the parenting team. Unfortunately, over the past several years, there has been a steady decline in the value of fathers in our society. Dads as characters in television shows and movies are often portrayed as incompetent or even unnecessary. Men are frequently referred to as “sperm donors” who have no other real function when it comes to raising children. What a sad situation we are in, especially since this was not God’s design. God’s plan is for children to
Month: October 2012
Parents do a variety of things to protect their children: childproof the home (inside and out), use car seats, monitor food and small toys for potential choking hazards, hold hands with the child when crossing the street, check references for childcare providers, teach “stranger danger,” learn first aid and CPR, etc. But one of the most important things we need to be doing as parents comes from the book of Proverbs, chapter 4, verse 23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Just as our children are dependent on us for their natural needs,
“Our character is basically a composite of our habits. Because they are consistent, often unconscious patterns, they constantly, daily, express our character…” ~ Stephen R. Covey “A man who gives his children habits of industry provides for them better than by giving them fortune.” ~Richard Whately “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” ~Aristotle If the above quotes are any indication, our daily habits are extremely important. As parents, we need to be diligent about helping our children develop good habits. Again, this is one of those things that must
A former music pastor in our church used to always say “There’s something about life that is so daily.” Can I get an “amen?!” Same chores, same job, same people, same, same, same!! Often it can all get a little too monotonous. But can I let you in on a little secret? Children crave routine. They love it. They thrive in that environment. Predictability provides security, one of our most basic human needs. Kids love to know what’s going to happen next in their day. With so much of their lives completely out of their control, a reliable routine gives
“Jesus loves me, this I know For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, They are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me Yes, Jesus loves me Yes, Jesus loves me The Bible tells me so.” I became a born-again Christian at the age of 20, so I didn’t learn this sweet little children’s song until I was an adult. The words are so simple, yet so powerful. This was one of the first songs each of our children ever learned. Lots of truth in those few lines. I’ve had a lot of wonderful