Comments on: Raising Children to Know God in the Moment

By: Mommer

Mommer — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:13:13 +0000

Lou Priolo’s book, “Teach Them Diligently,” is also helpful.

By: Christi

Christi — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:28:07 +0000

Oh, Kelly, thank you for posting this!

By: Kelly L

Kelly L — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:53:04 +0000

Belinda,
If you feel led, counter her negativity with praise. If she says “you always spill like that” Say “Honey, it may feel like you spill a lot, but you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You bring joy to me and the Lord.” She is probably not aware of who she has become. Also, never join in a critical spirit. Your silence, when she is looking for confirmation, will speak more volumes than your words ever could. Just ask the Lord to show you which is His will in each situation. Can you tell I have MY parents living with us till their house is done? 6 weeks this Sat.
My friend told me one time: “You don’t look so good with facial piercings.” Since I had none, I was confused. She replied “You know, by taking that bait the enemy keeps casting out. That hook in your cheek is pretty ugly.” I was grateful she had enough courage to tell me I was blowing it. Not saying you are, but I might not be the only one…maybe.

By: Carmen

Carmen — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:17:29 +0000

Good thoughts, too, Belinda! Thanks! Kelly, I just posted a comment and it didn’t show up.
Hmm…I guess I’ll try to reiterate quickly…
My mom is very negative…she lives with us…she’s a Christian, but brought up in a harsh home. I’m so desperately trying to give our children a balanced life that it’s hard to balance with her neg. comments. Please pray for me, the children and for her!!

By: Carmen

Carmen — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:14:47 +0000

So true, Kelly! Affirmation is so important! I grew up in a verbally harsh home. My mom and dad became Christians around the time my husband and I had our 3rd child (I became a Christian as a teen). My dad passed away a few years ago and so my mom has moved in with us. She is a very negative person and is very good at pointing out the bad things the kids do (and in everyone) and ignoring the good. That’s my background and I am trying so hard to give them a different life than what I had growing up that I feel like I’m constantly trying to balance things and praise, praise, praise them. All that to say…please pray for me! (And for my mom, too!)

By: Kelly L

Kelly L — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:52:08 +0000

Kimberly,
Just prayed for you and your family. Sorry you are going through so much.

By: Word Warrior

Word Warrior — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:43:13 +0000

Carmen,

I thought last night that I should have added it’s not just giving them biblical reasons for NOT doing things, we should be equally pointing to the biblical response for the things they do right.

For example, if one of my children spontaneously performs a nice gesture, I really go over the top–stopping what I’m doing–to make a big deal about it. And I try to remember to say something like, “(child’s name), what you just did is exactly what Jesus did when He served. I am so proud of the way you want to be like Him…this is it, this is what love is.”

When all else fails and you can’t remember what to say, remember the main essence of the gospel and what we want our children to emulate: servant’s-heart, self-denial, love.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:10:32 +0000

This is something that has been so near and dear to my heart recently! Thanks for posting this.

By: Kim M.

Kim M. — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:30:25 +0000

OH So true! It’s constantly isn’t it?

By: Belinda

Belinda — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:50:13 +0000

There is a book I have called “Don’t make me count to three” by Ginger Plowman and it has a chart with offenses and consequences and a Bible verse that backs it up. Also, The Duggars have a good chart on their website that can be printed off. Then, there are Doorposts charts that are just wonderful. I like to use any one of these depending on how well they relate to the offense.
I think we should study the Bible and know it for ourselves but these have helped when I need something quick or I can’t quite put my finger on the heart attitude.