Children are a gift from the Lord;~ Psalm 127:3 ~
5. Be a mom who laughs!
Proverbs 17:22 A happy heart is like good medicine, but a broken spirit drains your strength. (NCV)
Moms, we need to lighten up, or as my daughter says, "Chill, mom!" Kids are fun! Find ways to bring joy and laughter into your home. Moms are the thermostats of the home and need to keep the emotional setting on joy! Children get most of their first impressions of God from their parents. I want my kids to know that God is a God of joy and laughter! Kids need a mom who laughs!
6. Be a mom who hugs!
Luke 18:15 "One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them." (NLT)
Our children need moms who touch them and demonstrate to them healthy physical affection! Children need and crave physical affection. It is a God-given need that is meant to be met in God-given ways! There is healing in a mother's touch! Start early and never stop! It is a terrible shock for kids to have the hugging stop just at the age when they need it the most!
7. Be a mom who disciplines!
Proverbs 6:23 "The correction of discipline is the way to life." (NLT)
Kids want and need discipline! Discipline is a hedge of protection in the life of a child and part of our job as a parent is to tend that hedge, to keep it strong and in place! If we are not careful, every day can dissolve into a never-ending battle for control. As parents, we need to let go of what we can and hold our ground on what we can't.
Discipline principles:
1. Be consistent2. Discipline from love...not anger.
3. Pick your battles.
4. Don't expect children to act like adults.
5. Teach them that there are consequences for choices.
6. Realize that every child is different.
7. Don't discipline until you have control of your emotions.
This last point is major! We are the adults who should be able to control emotions. If we don't, neither will our children. Proverbs 29:11 Foolish people lose their tempers, but wise people control theirs. (NCV) Pick your battles of discipline and wage them with emotions under control. Whatever you do, don't put the light out in their eyes. Kids need a mom who disciplines!
8. Be a mom who forgives!
Colossians 3:13 13 Get along with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you. (NCV)
We teach children how to forgive others by how we forgive them. Forgiveness is part of every healthy relationship so when we practice forgiveness, we are modeling healthy relationships for them. We also teach our children about God's forgiveness by how we forgive. Be quick to forgive your child but be quicker to ask your child's forgiveness.
Let's Pray
Father, more than ever before, I want to be a great mom, but I often find myself doing just the opposite of what I know is right when it comes to my kids. Please forgive me. Help me to apply the truths and principles of Your Word as I walk in this high calling of motherhood. Bless my children, Lord, and help them to follow You all the days of their lives. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment