7 Ways to Raise Children That Count

There are several secret desires I have for my son when he is grown. I want him to be successful at everything he does. I want him to have the desires of his heart. I want him to have a family if he marries. While these are good things to hope for in his life, they are not what really matters. 

The most important desire I have for him to love the Lord and live for Him. As a parent, it is our responsibility to Raise Children that Count.

7 Ways to Raise Children that Count

Our homes will never be perfect, but we can live in such a way and raise our children to be productive adults one day.

Live a Life of an Example (Proverbs 1:7-9, Proverbs 20:7):

children learn from our life, not our words; they know when we mean business. They see us in the home when others don’t. The real us is seen by our children. We need to be real; genuine.

Live a Life of Unconditional Love (Proverbs 4:1-4):

children have to be taught how to love. They need to know they will be accepted for who they are regardless of they’re behavior. When we do this, we are saying, “I love and accept you, but not your actions”. Actions speak louder than words.

Live a Life of Constant Encouragement (Proverbs 3:1-26):

children need to hear encouragement even when they make mistakes or don’t do well at something. There’s a difference between encouragement and praise. Encouragement says I’m proud of you for who you are. Praise says I’m proud of you for what you do. Encouragement gives confidence. Let your speech be positive, not always negative.

Live a Life of Giving Wise Instruction (Proverbs 2:1-7, Proverbs 22:6):

children need to be taught to read the Bible from an early age. They should enjoy a regular family worship time. Our instruction and training should be seen together in use in our own lives.

Live a Life of Reasonable Instruction (Proverbs 6:20-23)

children need set limitations. There is nothing wrong with setting restrictions for our children. Even Adam and Eve were given restrictions. Limitations are not binding in any way, in fact, they bring freedom. When a child knows what he can and cannot do, he has the confidence he needs when choosing to do right.

Live a Life of Being a Listening Ear (Proverbs 18:13-15)

children need to know they can come to you as a parent and talk about anything without being cut off. Being a good listener means being quiet and listen until the speaker is finished talking. For some children, they may not be one to talk, you have to be ready for when they are, even if it is after midnight. We may even have to make opportunities for our children to open up and talk to us.

Live a Life Within a Happy Environment (Proverbs 15:13-17)

children need happiness and joy to flourish. Fill your home with love and laughter. If you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at? Be firm, be fair, but be fun!