Here’s a great post from Chad Mahaney on Video Games, Idols and Your Child’s Heart. The post highlights a question C.J. was asked at a Pastor’s College gathering about video games and a 12 year old. As is usually the case, C.J.’s answer reflects Biblical wisdom, a genuine understanding of the human heart with its weaknesses as well as the humility we should display toward our children. Read and be encouraged.
Raising Obedient Children
As a man struggling to subdue my sinful nature married to a wife in the same struggle, seeking to raise 2 boys who have somehow managed to learn how sin (shocking isn’t it?) I found this post over at The Resurgence, Raising Obedient Children, helpful. The points they cover are:
1. We are confident in our God-given parental authority.
2. We never count to three.
3. We model it ourselves to authority figures in our lives.
4. We try not to exasperate our children (Ephesians 6:4).
5. We use appropriate forms of punishment.
6. We are convinced that it really is worth the effort.
Enjoy.
Help For Young Families…
I also found this post by Zach Nielsen helpful…
He’s asked by a young married guy with kids how he organizes his life.
The summary:
1. As you do, I have a rockstar, off the chart, amazing wife.
2. We don’t watch much T.V.
3. We are very intentional about doing things WITH the kids.
4. One of the things we have learned from another family is the idea of “special dates” with the kids individually.
5. Your stage is really hard. Having a toddler and a new baby is very physically demanding.
6. As our kids get older, I’m sure we’ll limit their activities.
7. In the end, I think you just sort of get used to the chaos.
8. There certainly are times when we feel like we are losing it.
9. I think your feelings of “insanity” are somewhat relative (which isn’t to dismiss them).
Read the entire post for elaboration.
Help for Baby Dedication Services
…from Sojourn.
Biblical Parenting – Infant to Age 5
One of Covenant Life Church‘s pastors, Brian Chesemore, gave 2 talks last fall on parenting those aged infant through age 5.
Biblical Principles of Parenting (Part 1) – Audio and PDF
Training, Discipline and The Rod (Part 2) – Audio and PDF
In our church, we have a burgeoning nursery ministry and many parents in this age group. I hope you can take advantage of these excellent resources.