Roll Up Your Sleeves and…

September 28, 2009

…let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of parenting.

Having your child work along side you is such a great time to know your child in a way you normally wouldn’t. When you have to tackle a task together (outside the normal make you bed kind of stuff), where you depend on each other to do their part, you can really see deep into their character, especially if it is a tough task.

Working together allows you to see not only are they working to the best of their physical ability (not perfection), but are they exhibiting a good attitude? Is their work done with grumbling, rolling of the eyes, or huffing? Do they move slowly or rush through because they really don’t want to do the task? If so, these are character issues that need to be worked on.

Are they given a task to be done a certain way and they insist on doing it  ‘their way’? Granted they may come up with a better way of doing something, but there will be times (many times) in life when they will have to do as they are told, with no explanation. They NEED to be able to submit to your authority, cheerfully. If they don’t learn this as a child, they will have a rough time as an adult. Attitude is just as important, if not more so, than performance.

Don’t Be Too Busy to Stop and Parent

How often do we just do it ourselves because it is easier? It might be a short term fix, but you are not doing yourself nor your child any favors if you don’t stop what you are doing, take time to explain, correct, discipline, encourage and instruct. You will probably have to do this over and over and over… Parenting is tough, actually there are days when it is exhausting, but it is our job! It is a full time job!

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,

and when thou walkest by the way,

and when thou liest down,

and when thou risest up.

Deuteronomy 6:7

Whether it be the Scriptures, or chores, or service, or attitudes, be diligent in teaching your children. Be consistent and patient. Your years to teach them will be over before you know it. Make the most of every day. Make opportunities to win and know your child’s heart.

Roll up your sleeves and work side by side with your child. Set an example of doing YOUR best, because more is caught than taught!

Topics: Diligence, Parenting, Teaching Them Well | 4 Comments »