Please click on link to read part-1 of this article (Parental Tips for Godly Parents (1) – Feast of light)
Be one with your spouse in parenting. Parent have to be one(united) in the way they bring up their children or deal with discipline. If they know you and your spouse are in disunited for example in the way you manage discipline in the house, they will take serious advantage of that gap and cause problems in your parenting and induce issues between you and your spouse.
Have a positive atmosphere with your children. Being positive with your children and looking out for the positive things in them or that they do helps in bringing up well balanced children. Rather than always focusing on their negatives.
As Christian parents when do we give a child time-out?
Bible says Children obey your parents, for God has placed parents in authority over children. We are God’s representatives to our children, and so they should show us respect/honour and they should accept our “godly” guidance and wisdom.
Ephesians 6:1; Children, obey your parents in the Lord [that is, accept their guidance and discipline as His representatives], for this is right [for obedience teaches wisdom and self-discipline] AMP
Giving a child time out is a common way of dealing with “challenging behaviour”. It involves moving the child to a neutral area where they can calm down and reflect on their actions. However, there are different opinions and guidelines on how and when to use time out effectively.
Some experts suggest that time out should not be used before the child is at least 3 years old, because they may not understand why they are being given a “consequence” (a better word to use than punishment, as children understand that the time-out is due to their actions and not you imposing it on them, which is what “punishment” seems to suggest). Others say that time out can be used as a last resort for children as young as 1 years old, but it should be modified to suit their developmental level.
The duration of time out also depends on the age and temperament of the child. A general rule of thumb is to use one minute per year of age, but some children may need more or less time. For example, a 2-year-old may need a 2-minute time out, while a 10-year-old may need a 10-minute time out.
The location of time out should be close enough for the parent and child to see and hear each other, but free of toys, games, and entertainment. It should be a space to reflect on things, not to have fun or feel isolated.
Before using time out, the parent should let the child know what behaviour will result in a time out, and give them one clear warning. If the child breaks the rule again, the parent should send them to the time out space and tell them how long they will be there. The parent should use a timer to stick to the time limit, and ignore any arguing, promises or pleading from the child.
When the time out is over, the parent should praise the child for doing it well, and invite them to join them in something fun. This is called “time in”. The parent should in love also talk to the child about why they had a time out, how they were feeling before and after, and what they could do differently next time. God bless you
Time out is not the only way to discipline a child. Some parents prefer to use positive reinforcement, such as rewards and praise, to encourage good behaviour. Some parents also use other methods, such as natural consequences, logical consequences, or problem-solving skills.
The best way to discipline a child depends on their personality, needs and situation. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The most important thing is to be consistent, fair, and respectful, and to help the child learn from their mistakes. Also remember to take out time to teach them the word of God and teach them to pray to God. Teach them to seek God and His Kingdom values. Start it now that they are young and can be easily guided by you through the help of the Holy-Spirit.
Some bible verses on parenting to meditate on
- “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
- “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
- “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
- “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)
- “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11)
- I hope this helps you in your parenting journey. Let me know if you have any other questions. God bless you in Jesus Name. Amen
Prayer
- Any power that wants to sponsor evil in the life of my children, be disgraced now in the name of Jesus
- My children will not be wayward but they will grow up in the knowledge and fear of God in the name of Jesus
- Lord empower me as a parent to be a positive role model for my children in the name of Jesus
- Holy-Spirit overshadow my children and cause them to be for signs and wonders in the land, in the name of Jesus
- I will not fail as a parent but by the grace and power of God I shall be a great success in Jesus name.
Good Resource; (47) Planting the Seeds of Success in Your Kids (Part 1) – Dr. Kevin Leman – YouTube
Feast of Light Global Ministry
