Principles of Parenting

What is the value of early attention to child training?

• Proverbs 22:6, NIV. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Parents must be godly examples in words and actions.

• Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NIV “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

God expects parents to be patient.

• Colossians 3:21, TLB. “Fathers, don't scold your children so much that they become discouraged and quit trying.”

What does God expect of a mother?

• Proverbs 31:26, TLB. “When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule for everything she says.”

Discipline is an expression of parental love.

• Proverbs 13:24, TLB. “If you refuse to discipline your son, it proves you don't love him; for if you love him, you will be prompt to punish him.”

Kind, firm correction helps children learn.

• Proverbs 29:15, TLB. “Scolding and spanking a child helps him to learn. Left to himself, he brings shame to his mother.”

The purpose of discipline is to help the children mature, not to anger them.

• Ephesians 6:4, TLB. “And now a word to you parents. Don't keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful. Rather, bring them up with the loving discipline the Lord Himself approves, with suggestions and godly advice.”

Children often bear the consequences of their parents' sins.

• Exodus 34:7, TLB. “I, Jehovah, show this steadfast love to many thousands by forgiving their sins; or else I refuse to clear the guilty, and require that a father's sins be punished in the sons and grandsons, and even later generations.”

What response does God expect from children?

• Ephesians 6:1, NIV “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”