4. Don’t have a discipline plan.
Don’t plan for discipline … because that’s no fun! Just try to figure out in the moment what you’ll do. That way, if you’re really angry, you’ll do something stupid and always do the right thing.
Plan out how you’ll discipline. Don’t make it an “in the moment” thing, or you’ll end up disciplining in a way that you regret. Godly discipline is loving, and for our good. (Hebrews 12:5-11)
5. Don’t make them go to church.
What kind of parent would you be if you forced your child to do what you know is best for them? You haven’t been called to shape the way your children grow and mature. Come on … do you even love your child?
Set corporate worship, and healthy relationships, as a weekly standard for your family because you know you need it … not necessarily because you always wake up every Sunday eager to go. Do what’s best, not just what “feels” right at the time.
6. Always be firm.
Don’t ever let up on your kids. Because if you do, they’ll get out of hand. No grace. No mercy.
Model for your children what the grace of God looks like. Sometimes, when they’ve disobeyed, show them grace, and explain the radical grace of God to them. Don’t exasperate your children. (Ephesians 6:4)
7. Don’t ever play.
You’re the parent. They’re the child. They need to understand that distinction. Don’t ever get on the ground and play with them. Don’t show them your weaknesses. And for goodness sake, don’t ever have fun.
If you don’t play with your child, you rob them of a beautiful gift. And you paint a picture of a boring God to them.
8. When you don’t know what to do, let Google be your guide.
Not sure what to do in this parenting situation? Google it! There’s so much great advice that will always point your children to Jesus, and help your family grow. Use Google, and Google alone.
Always be wary of what you read on the internet. Find a parent (or two or three) and ask them to speak into your life as a parent. Surround yourself with people wiser than you and bounce ideas off of them, growing from their wisdom and experience.
9. As long as they’re not bothering me …
They’re watching something that may be a bit inappropriate for their age? Playing with something they shouldn’t? Spending too long on Facebook? Well, at least they’re out of your hair for a couple of hours.
Do. Not. Disengage. Know what is influencing your child. Set boundaries, and stick to them. Media shapes your children’s minds in powerful ways.
Anything you’d add?
