Children are a heritage from the Lord,

offspring a reward from him.
⁴ Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
⁵ Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.

Psalm 127:3-5

 

As some of you know I was asked to be a mentor mom for the group MOPS (mother’s of preschoolers). I didn’t think that I was very qualified for this position at first, but after praying about it the Lord lead be to Titus- where he tells older women what they are to do in their later years.

Titus 2:3  Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴ Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵ to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

This year, I will try to share with them what I have been through in my journey raising children, lend an ear and be a friend.

All women when raising children have questions- “Is this normal?” “Did your child do “this”?” and how about “What is the best way to discipline?”

I have a few books that I have read and read again and read again and have used as resource books continually through the years. Having raised 4 children to adulthood, I will tell you I know nothing about raising children! lol.  Having children kept me on my toes but more importantly "on my knees". It is a constant battle to keep it all in perspective. I will say to keep your sense of humor, love them with all of your heart, pray for them continually, and don't be afraid to ask of others that have  been in your shoes. All children are different and what works for one doesn't always work for others. All children, although, "crave" to be disciplined and "have boundaries", it makes them feel secure. They need to know that you care enough about them to say no. Here is a list of the books that I used-

The Bible- first and foremost! God is the ultimate Father and the main reason that we want our children to learn to obey and respect us, is so they will learn to obey God and trust Him with all of their heart; have a relationship with Him and be saved for eternal life with Him. Isn't that the ultimate?! To know that we will be spending eternity in Heaven with our Lord and have all of our children there as well??!!

So, when asking for advice, you would want to listen to (or read) books and advice written from other Christians. Correct??!!

   (click on the book to bring you to the site~)

Home Grown Kids~This book will share what children are able to learn and comprehend and at what age.(Great book even if you don’t homeschool) How frustrating to everyone when you ask someone  to do something they just are not capable of. Can you imagine someone asking someone to turn off the light switch when they don't have any arms?? Frustration turns into anger in children. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.  So knowing is half the battle- knowledge, just keep learning and growing yourself and trying new things.

Another book- Dare to Discipline- Dr. James Dobson- I have read certain parts over and over….He is an amazing man of God and gives wonderful advice for disciplining children.

~and if you should have a strong willed child (and who doesn’t??!!), well, there is a book for them as well. 

Sometimes it just helps to know that there are others out there going through the same things that you are and you will make it through.

 

Blessings and happy

child rearing

~Sara

 

I have many wonderful Godly Christian women friends here and I would love to get their input as well. So please, any of you that follow me, Feel free to comment and add any useful tools that you have used in child rearing. Thank you so much!