Keys to Ideal Parenthood

There is no “royal road” to watertight parenting, but there are guidelines and principles that we may follow.

Noel and Phyl Gibson, in Deliver Our Children From the Evil One (Sovereign World, 1992) outline some useful headings.

1 Love blesses children 1 John 4: 12, 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

2 Patience blesses children Ephesians 6 : 4

3 Fairness blesses children Luke 15: 28-30

4 Giving children adequate time blesses them Availability, a listening ear, and knowing how to listen all help. Spend quality time with children. Encourage them. Adequate explanations should be made as to the way decisions are reached. James 1: 19

5 Encouragement blesses children “Rejection is one the greatest unrecognized dangers during childhood… Genuine encouragement can dispel fears in a child.”

6 Godly examples bless children 1 Kings 9: 4; 2 Timothy 1: 5

7 Instruction in Biblical principles blesses children Deuteronomy 6: 6-9; Psalm 119: 9-11

8 Children are blessed for life when they are taught to exercise faith 2 Timothy 3: 1-4

9 Fair and appropriate discipline blesses children Hebrews 11: an honour roll of ordinary people whose faith was a way of life.

10 Children are blessed when their parents trust them Trust is a deliberate choice and needs to be guarded carefully. “Lifetime habits commence in childhood. By obedience to Biblical principles parents will bless their children and influence the future generation for the glory of God.”

Noel & Phyl Gibson’s book may be obtained from Koorong Bookshop for $29.95

If you wish to order one for the next St Luke's bookstall please order one online.

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