Last post I shared an excerpt from one of Josh McDowell’s books. The focus was on spouses listening to one another. Today I want to share some ideas from McDowell on Parenting. During the 2013 GridIron Men’s Conference, he shared a message to men and fathers titled: “How to Stand in the Home.”
Here are some of excerpts that I thought were helpful:
The Greatest security for your child… is for your child to know that you love your spouse and that you will never divorce him/her.
The 4 simple steps to help your children/family:
1. Availability
Children spell love T-I-M-E.
It doesn’t matter what else you do if you are not available.2. Affirmation
This means affirming their emotions. When a problem arises, don’t try to fix, don’t blame, don’t dismiss, don’t quote scripture. Instead, obey scripture… Rejoice when they rejoice and weep when they are weeping. Affirm, affirm, affirm.Instead of fixing the problem, or teaching on the issue, first provide affirmation.
You can fix and teach later, but first affirm.3. Appreciation
Receiving appreciation provides your children with a sense of significance.
Don’t work to catch them doing something wrong in order to discipline them.
Instead work to catch them doing something right and express appreciation to them.4. Affection
Our affection allows our children to be able to say and believe: “I am lovable.”
If they don’t get affection from their father, they will get it from someone else.
(Which is one of the prime reasons for high teen pregnancy rates.)Your family should not be put before your business or ministry…
Because your family should be your first business and first ministry!
Godly parents are so important to the health of their children. Stand for God in your home!
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