Comments on: Growing Our Children Up

By: sheena

sheena — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:06:00 +0000

thanks for the book info. I’m picking up the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin tomorrow. =)

By: Word Warrior

Word Warrior — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 02:24:00 +0000

HC,

Oh yeah, Sheena asked me that too.

We have read the biographies of Benjamin Franklin, Washington,--we have one good book called "Great Americans" who have shorter stories about great men of history.

We've read Mother Teresa, Gladys Alward, many missionaries--Jim Eliot, etc.

We also read from a series called "Lamplighters" (I think that's the one) with inspirational stories about responsible girlhood and boyhood.

We love "Ten Boys Who Didn't Give In"--all true stories. And sometimes we read, though very grim, "Trials and Tribulations", short stories about real martyrs. If I think of some others, I'll mention them.

We usually read a chapter at a time, sometimes one in the morning from one book, and another at night, but not always both.

By: HC

HC — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Ok Kelly,

So can you give me some good "classic" books to read to our kids? Ages 4-14. Im assuming you do some sort of "read aloud". If so, about how long do you read and is it every day?

Thanks,
Heather

By: Julie

Julie — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:47:00 +0000

This is the very reason that we don’t use the word teenager around here. My oldest, who is almost 12 looks at people with a look of confusion when they talk about her soon being a teenager.
Then with a beautiful smile she will usually respond that she can’t wait to be a young lady.
Here the teen years are going to be about growing men and women.
We started that young by giving them responsibilities and making them feel like they are needed parts of our home and life.

By: sheena

sheena — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:03:00 +0000

I’ve been slacking off a bit with our youngest (one year old) at the dinner table. Consistency is so hard when it’s every 5 minutes. I needed to hear this. Thanks for the encouragement/admonishment/whatever. =)
Would you mind mentioning a couple of the books to which you were referring?
I have a 7 year old son. We haven’t done any biographies yet but I think he’s probably old enough.

By: Mrs. Lady Sofia

Mrs. Lady Sofia — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:12:00 +0000

Kelly,

I think I will have to agree with Mrs. Hester; if God ever blesses me with children, I'll have to "move in" with you. LOL

But seriously, this was an excellent post! I think many in my generation were not really "taught" or "prepared" for parenthood; it just sort of "happened." I was/am one of those adults you talked about who find out that work is really WORK once you are on your own. Being an only child, I was spoiled and catered to, ALOT! Now, I have to undue all those selfish habits, sigh!

Anyway, I just keep learning and growing . . . and I keep thinking I'm too old now to have children, but I'm reading Genesis, and Sarah had a child at 90 so maybe it's not too late for me after all . . . (smiles)

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:56:00 +0000

Thanks for this. My inlaws were impressed on a recent visit that our 2 year old says “yes ma’am” “thank you” , “please”, and picks up her toys without being asked (usually! lol!). I’ve worked really hard with her on this and it made me proud as a parent. Thanks for the encouragement!

By: Kathy, Jeff's Wife

Kathy, Jeff's Wife — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:47:00 +0000

Excellent!

By: MrsFranklin

MrsFranklin — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:31:00 +0000

My husband use to take our ds with him to work on Saturdays and this helped produce an excellent work habit with him. There are days when he is lazy (arent we all) but he knows that alot is expected from him. He's almost 14 and can do many manly jobs. He's had good teaching from his parents.

We've already explained that we will have no 30 year old unemployed, "sensitive" whiney bubble head son living off of us!

An incomplete and sloppy job is totally unacceptable. We've stressed that if he should marry he cant expect to be the head of his household if his head is scattered.

By: On A Hill Homestead

On A Hill Homestead — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:05:00 +0000

I enjoyed reading your post on this issue.
My husband and I raise our three boys to work, and to understand that one day they’ll be providers of homes. This God ordained role isn’t one to take lightly, and we’re training them to know their role spirtually too.
We’ve read To Train Up A Child by the Pearls several times, and enjoy it each time. Yes, our children have their “play” time probably more than they should, but they have their chore time to.
Peace, Kris Ante