Parenting in today's world is drastically different than parenting from the past. Entitlement, political correctness, and broken homes have become the new norm. Fortunately, the Bible has a lot of advice when it comes to parenting as the Lord knew raising a child can be very trying at times. "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6. This verse provides such great encouragement to parents who are struggling. As a parent, we are planting seeds. A child may stray for a time, but when he is older, he will remember the foundation you set for him when he was younger.
"But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God." I Timothy 5:4. It is important to lead by example. It is important for a child to see us reading our Bible at home, praying at home, and showing godliness at home as it says in I Timothy. It all starts at home.
The Bible has a LOT to say about discipline. Do not be afraid to discipline your child. A lot of parents fear that their child will hate them if they discipline them, so they instead try to be their friend instead of their parent. This is one of the most detrimental things you could do. Children need boundaries, they need teaching, and as a parent, we are the front line to teach them right from wrong. Children actually like direction, believe it or not, and will respect you more if you firmly direct their path. "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them." Proverbs 13:24. Wow! The Bible even goes to say that if you don't discipline your child, you don't love them. Pretty powerful! "To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child." Proverbs 29:15. Remember, discipline will bring wisdom as a child will learn from their mistakes. That is the whole point of discipline. It is not to be mean or abuse a child, but instead to teach them what they did wrong and how to make better choices in the future.
"Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do." Ephesians 6:1
"Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord." Colossians 3:20
"A wise child accepts a parent's discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction." Proverbs 13:1. "Only a fool despises a parent's discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise." Proverbs 15:5. Always provide correction and wisdom to your child, they will remember what you teach them even if it doesn't seem like it in the present moment.
There are times when a parent has a child go through a rebellious stage and that can be the most difficult time for a parent. "It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel." Proverbs 17:21. Seek comfort from others and have faith that it is a phase that will pass. Remember the seeds that you planted in your child from a young age. "Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged." Colossians 3:21. Do not anger your child during a rebellious time, pray for them and be there for them always. "Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents." Proverbs 28:7. It's okay to feel shame. There is a time and season to everything. "To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
Every parent can look forward to grandchildren in their future! Many people say that being a grandparent is way better than being a parent and such a huge blessing. "Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children." Proverbs 17:6.
Being a parent is one of the most rewarding jobs a person can have. Watching your child grow into a responsible, loving adult is a beautiful thing. Do not lose hope during the childhood years. You will never get those years back.
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