By: Donna Martin
I think God has a sense of humor as is displayed with the children he gives us. Each one is different and unique and what works with one child often does not work with another. Learning how to instruct and discipline a child is a learning experience not only for the child, but also for the parent. I think that people sometimes do not realize what a huge responsibility comes with being a parent. It is not a job for the lazy or for the coward.
Our job as parents is to raise responsible people who will one day be able to take care of themselves and their families. And more importantly, as Christian parents, we want to raise children who love God and follow His direction for their lives. But alas, we often realize that our children are becoming just like us. They pick up on the good things we do and the bad things we do. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:15 to “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Our children learn most from what they see in us. If we are hateful and disrespectful to them or to our spouse, they learn to be hateful and disrespectful to others. If we gossip about others; they learn to gossip. If we serve others, they learn to serve. If we are compassionate and forgiving; they learn to be compassionate and forgiving. If they see us reading our Bible, they will learn the importance of Bible reading.
So whether you prefer to use “time out”, spanking, or some other form of discipline, remember that most of what your children learn from you will be “caught” more than “taught”. Realizing this should remind us to be careful how we live before them.
The Martins currently present “Happy Together” Marriage Enrichment Events for churches and organizations. To schedule an event call Michael at 940-735-1515. They are certified “Prepare/Enrich” Facilitators and are available to work with couples on an individual basis using the “Prepare/Enrich Assessment.” They publish a weekly “Happy Together” Blog about family and marriage issues. You can order copies of their new books Dancing With Death and 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14,610 Days of Marriage, read, and subscribe to their “Happy Together” Blog by logging onto the Martin’s website at www.happytogethermarriage.com.