3 Parenting Principles
I am incredibly indebted to my parents for teaching me, by their example, these three important principles.
1. Keep short accounts, with God and with others.
Throughout my childhood, my parents quoted the verse that says,”Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Even if I tried to go to sleep with a problem between a sibling and me or my parents and me, my conscience would bother me so much that when I couldn’t stand it anymore (and my stubbornness broke down), I went to the person to “make up.” Sleep was so peaceful after that. Ha!
I have seen bitterness and grudges take horrible tolls on friends and families. It’s something that I want no part of. Even now in all my relationships, I love peace, harmony and knowing that all is well.
2. Even when money is tight, do special things for your children.
I grew up in a pastor’s home and contrary to popular belief, not all pastors make a killin’! There were many times that I remember how incredibly God provided–just in time–for our family’s needs. If there was something that was really important to me (or my siblings) Mom and Dad worked very hard to make it happen. We weren’t extravagant, but it meant so much to us that our parents listened to us and loved to make us happy.
Bringing joy and happiness to another person’s heart is a wonderful thing!
3. Have the humility to say “I’m sorry” when you’re wrong.
This might just be the most important point. As parents we haven’t arrived. We make mistakes…sometimes bad ones. Your children will respect you more, love you more and listen to you more when they see that you’re not too good to say, “I’m sorry.”
On a lighter note: My Father-in-law (before he was my FIL) always asked me, “How’s it going raising your parents?” While it’s funny, at the same time, it’s so true. Ridley has a huge job ahead of him…being the guinea pig. Poor little guy! Prince Charming and I have a lot to learn, but thankfully we’ve been blessed by wonderful examples.
By the grace of God, Prince Charming and I will instill these three principles into Ridley as we train Him for God’s glory.
image credit: willow35388
Special thanks to Purell Hand Sanitizer for sponsoring this blog hop.
Wonderful advice… great stuff…
Brent
good advice! I appreciate your insight and agree with you completely!
Linda
mom to 14 and counting, at
http://www.smithsoup.blogspot.com
I agree with that
That is wonderful advice, if everyone lived by those three principles…..imagine! Lxx
Great tips! I think the apology one is so important. It seems like no one knows how to make a true apology anymore.
Wonderful post! I especially like number 2. The idea of this economy has just crippled a lot of people's ambition to do things (and many things that you're children will remember don't cost anything… or very little). Great value!
I love all of your advice and I am so glad to see that you and your sister turned out great, coming from the ministry! I always worry about Molly, because at 2 we get "oh, she's the PK!" Ministers are not in it for the money, amen! Great advice!
Very good advise! Great post.
Great list!
This is a great list. I agree that Mom and Dad truly did teach us these things by example. It's such a blessing to have godly parents!
Great advice. I especially like #3. Apologizing is so important, for parents too. I also teach my boys to say "I forgive you".
I really like #2. Even if money isn't tight, there are such little things you can do to make your kids feel special. One of my favorite small things was when my mom let me pick what we were going to have for dinner one night of the week. Even though I didn't make it, I felt like a bigshot chef!
GREAT pointers, Myra! I completely agree with all of them. Thank you for this meaningful & useful post!
((hugs & blessings))
I agree. Sometimes saying sorry can be so hard to do, but in the end you know it's the right thing. Being proud will just hurt you in the end. I know remember my dad saying he was sorry to me when I was little for overreacting, and when your upset it can mean a lot. I'd love for you to check out my blog it's on the blog hop too!
The first principle is that it’s so personal to me. You know, that’s the best thing you can do – leave all your resentment, wrath, and dissatisfaction in the day that’s gone. I try not to put off dealing with conflicts either, and I teach my child to do that.
You are a very wise woman and mother!