Set A Good Example For Your Children. Do you remember your childhood? If you do, are they happy memories filled with time spent with your parents and siblings (if you had siblings)? An adult will have memories of their childhood and happy memories were the results of positive interactions with family, friends and even pets. If they are not happy memories, they were the results of negative interactions and more often than not those were created by their parents.
From a parents perspective, should a child grow to be happy and successful, the parent is filled with pride. If that child grew to be unhappy and often getting into trouble, the parent is filled with regret and constantly asking themselves where they went wrong. I have often heard it said that there are no bad kids only bad parents. If parents set good examples, good results; bad examples, bad results. There are very, very few exceptions.
Okay, for some good news. Hopefully, you, the reader, still have children living at home. For you it is never too late to strive to show your children good examples. Here are a few ideas that I hope will help you set a good example for your children.
Spend Time With Your Children! Parents today are caught up in a fast-paced life that does not give them time to do the things they should be doing. Most parents express concern that they want to be good parents and feel they are doing the best with what time they have. It is a matter of priorities. What has higher priority? Being a good parent or being a good worker? Is it possible to do both? Only you as a parent can truthfully answer that. Are you raising christian children? Time spent with your children is providing them with the opportunity to learn from you their parents. Hopefully, you are the example that they will follow. And hopefully you are setting a good example for them to follow. God gave you children to raise and so it is my hope that as parents you take the time it takes to really get to know your children and take the responsibility to teach them. One of my favorite sayings is, "God give me the wisdom to never be to busy to do the things that matter most for my children."
Practice What You Preach! How many times have you heard that? How many times have applied it? Children learn from examples. What they see and hear is what they do and repeat. Have you told you child that using vulgar language is wrong? Have you ever used vulgar language in the presence of your child? Have you ever used the phrase: "Do as I say, not as I do"? I sincerely hope not! Does the term "hypocrite" apply here? You can tell you children time and again, but what matter most and what your children remember most is your words and actions. Yes, actions do speak louder than words! Practice what you preach! Set appropriate examples for you children to follow. They so want to be just like you.
Tell Your Children You Love Them! Your children need to know that you love them. They also need the physical connection that lets them know that you truly do love them. A hug says "I love you" better than actually saying the words. How old is too old to hug a child? Both my sons are in their thirties and my daughter is almost there. They all expect hugs from their father whenever we meet. There is no better way to set an example for your children than to show them affection. A hug a day keeps the devil away!
There Is No Such Thing As A Perfect Parent! We all make mistakes. We may not want to admit it, but it is true. In setting a good example for your children it is necessary to confront your mistakes and not to lie about them. Trying to pretend that you are perfect is going to result in your having to lie to your children for some of you decisions and actions. Though you might not want to admit it, you will sometimes lose you temper and say or do something that you will regret. Admit your mistakes. Nobody is perfect. Well, there is one man who is perfect, but it's not you, so get over it. You children will respect your honesty and be the first to forgive you. After all, you are their parent. They love you. Give them a hug!
Make Your House A Home! Are you children excited when they come home from school just to be home? Are you giving you children an example of what a happy home should be? Webster defines home as "a house, apartment, or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household. The place in which ones domestic affections are centered." For me, another phrase could be included: a home is a house where love dwells. As parents it is our responsibility to make our house a home. Our children deserve no less. Our children need to be confident that when they come "home" they will find love waiting for them. Have you ever watched a dog when someone come home? You would think their tail would wag off. They are so happy to see you. Do your children feel the same? Make your house a home!
Raising christian children is so important. We as parents have the responsibility to raise children who will have a positive influence on society. I encourage you to go to my website http://bibleversesaboutchildren.com/ for material to encourage you and your children.