Some More Thoughts On Child Training

I had some conversation with my niece yesterday regarding child training, and I want to encourage you with a few thoughts.

First off, God is not surprised when our children sin, but we often are!  I remember so clearly how at times, I did be like "I can't believe that you did this!", to one of my kids.  In the middle of an issue like this one day, God spoke to me by a thought coming into my head and said, "Really?  They are sinners, just like you.  Why are you surprised?"

I have to tell you that moment changed the way I viewed my children.  They were predisposed to sin, because of Adam and Eve, and that we were in the training phase of their lives.  They could learn to obey, make good choices and all the rest, but it wasn't necessarily going to be their first inclination.

Now, some kids are easier than others.  Some are more compliant based on their personalities.  This does not mean that they don't have an inner dialogue going on about whether they want to do something or whether its 'fair.'  These kids get away with a lot more than those who are openly defiant.

Both kinds of kids need our love, and our prayers.  We need to ask God to give us right thinking in regard to our training of our kids.  When God has helped me with my thinking, I can be in control of my responses toward the actions of my kids.  I don't have to choose anger for disobedience.

You know why we get angry?  Its because our expectations were not met.  That's right!  We had the expectation that our children would obey.  But when we have the expectation that they may not obey and that we may have to discipline them, and keep training in obedience, we either get what we expect or we get the joy in knowing they did obey!

It changes how we deal with them and how we feel about our training of them!  Parenting is not for sissies, but I don't want you to go into a 'its us against them' mode either.  That's not good.

Keep your little ones close, build relationships with them.  KNOW them and let them KNOW you!  You'll tie heartstrings and the training becomes easier because they know you love them and want the best for them.

Be encouraged, Mama's!  Your doing a wonderful work in your homes!

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 Thank you to those who've commented or contacted me.  I believe I have fixed the issue of commenting directly on this blog!  I am planning to move this blog to squarespace, I think, and have my own domain name.  I am planning to talk to my computer genius son in law, first, then I'll be sure to let you know here and to leave a link!