A few weeks ago I was talking to a friend of mine. She was telling me that she started creating a list of items that her 3rd grade daughter needed to do each day. The list was a mix of items including practicing piano, reading her Bible, completing homework etc. She said that after using this new system for a few days, her daughter said, “I like checking things off my list, it makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.”
I rejoiced with my friend and told her what a great job she was doing as a mom. I told her my belief is that a parent’s job is to raise well-rounded, self-sufficient, productive citizens who love Jesus. She agreed and said she wanted to get together soon so we can talk more about parenting.
The real question is how do we accomplish that goal? It isn’t always easy because kids have a free will, but I strongly believe that when parents take their job seriously and parent with purpose, that goal can be reached. As Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Lay the groundwork for adulthood as your child grows in all areas of their lives.
- Expose them to arts, sports and other activities and see which ones excite them.
- Give your children boundaries-but don’t hover too closely. It is ok if they fail, or fall-we learn from our mistakes and they make us try harder next time.
- Teach personal responsibility early on in life, it is an important trait that is sadly slipping away from our society.
- We need to coach our children to be self-sufficient and productive. Requiring chores and teaching life skills over the course of their lives makes them better adults, citizens, employees and parents later on.
- Submerse them in the Word of God. Use music, stories, videos etc to keep them in the Word day and night. Family devotions and Bible studies as well as Sunday school, Children’s Church, mid-week church classes and youth groups are all important activities to help kids of all ages keep their eyes on Jesus.
As we move through this year, I will be sharing the tools and methods we have used over the years to raise our awesome sons. I know every child and every family is different but all I can do is share what worked for us and hope that some of it works for you. Parenting is hard work and I am here to be a friend that walks beside you on the journey. Thanks for coming along for the ride!
BTW that picture is from 2006! LOL!
Hey Cindy,
I agree with you that parenting is about creating individuals with both self-esteem and self-confidence as well as compassion and respect for oneself and others. We share many values even if I don´t believe, but I have all respect for those who do. I think you do a great job. Thank you for sharing this insightful post.
Charlotte – My Green Nook
PS. I shared both your recipe and this post on Pinterest DS.
Thanks Charlotte! I pinned your post too!
Great info – we need to remember that our job is one of the most important and we’re blessed that God has allowed us to be a parent! 🙂
Jamie recently posted..“40th Birthday Fun” – #TBCCrafters
This is such great advice. I love this list. It is so spot on. My girls are little but my husband and I are already doing these things and others. Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.
Brandi recently posted..Tot School Letter L Books
This is very thought-provoking for me, I’m in that phase of life where I’m deciding if I want to start trying for a baby. I know that when I do eventually have one I will want to be the absolute best that I can be and raise them to be as well-rounded as possible.
Annie, you will be a great parent! It is a lot of hard work but it is sooo worth it!
It’s been my pleasure this school year to watch my daughter grow in her own ability to make, and keep, her own checklist for school. So much training! But so gratifying when you know that they are teetering on adulthood, and will be ready when it comes!
Susan Williams recently posted..Homemade Lasagna plus a “How to” Video
My parents exposed me to all sorts of different activities and classes–painting, drawing, caligraphy, tennis, ice skating, horseback riding, Irish dancing, ballet, tap, flute, piano, violin, harp… you get the picture. I LOVED experimenting, and how else would I have discovered the things that became my life-long passions?
Nikki recently posted..Party Time Linky #29, more Valentine’s Day Printables and Parties!
What a great post with very important things to remember, I have a hard time with the boundaries sometimes. I need to work on that one, I never want to see them fail but I need to remember its okay thats how they learn.
Jenn recently posted..10 Valentines Crafts To Do With Your Kids
Jenn, I agree, watching our kids fail is so difficult but they need to know what that feels like so that they will push harder the next time.
One the hardest jobs I have EVER had is being a Mom. Especially now since we home
school our children, it requires a lot of time and most of my energy. However, it is without a doubt the most rewarding jobs I have ever had! Helping these little beings become wonderful adults is a blessing.
Wendy recently posted..Be Brave and Help End Bullying Tip 26
Wendy we homeschooled for 16 years, pre-k through 12th grade. It is the most rewarding thing you will ever do!
This is my goal too! I am trying to make them do more — but want them to have a good attitude too. It’s not easy, but it will be worth it if we stick to it.
Tammy recently posted..Devotional Reading and Thoughts for January 28, 2015
Tammy, sign up for the walkabout and we can hit this goal together!
We also tried the list thing, but found it just didn’t work. Now we make them responsible for their own chores, and let them see the results when they do and don’t complete them.
Scott recently posted..Highlights: ChiTAG 2014 (Endless Games)
Great job Scott. They need to see what happens when they don’t follow through.
I can only imagine. I don’t have children but watching my brothers rear their children has been inspirational for me.
Patty recently posted..Blood Divide by John Sadler – Blog Tour, Book Review and Giveaway
I so agree about the responsibility importance. That is something our kids NEED to learn, rather than the entitlement that’s so prevalent right now. 🙁
Liz Mays recently posted..5 Ways to Combat Cold and Flu Symptoms
This is a great post. our jobs as parents should be to guide our kids as best as we possibly can, know that their mistakes is how they learn. And yes I agree, exposure to all kinds of arts and sports I think help create a well rounded child.
Heather recently posted..Fun For All Seasons: Jackson Hole For The Whole Family
This is really great! I love checking things off my list, which is mine alone, and then seeing what else needs to be done. My husband works in a different way and we are working to give our daughters a voice and system of their own. Great post!
Chelley recently posted..The Importance of The Team
It’s such a delicate balance, isn’t it? Help them be self sufficient, but don’t neglect holding their hand. Show them the world, but let them pick what they want to see. My mother told me that I was difficult as a child, but that she looked forward to seeing how I was as an adult because that’s where the fruits of a parent’s labor really bloom. I can’t wait to see how my own children ‘bloom’ as they grow.
Kenda recently posted..5 AMAZING HERBAL TEAS
Kenda, it is a difficult balance. It is also amazing to watch them as they strike out on their own as adults!
This was wonderful to read! I’m not a parent myself, but I just wanted to say awesome job on being such a great parent. 🙂
Michelle recently posted..50 Mix-Ins and Toppings for Deviled Eggs
Parenting is the hardest job I’ve ever had, but you’re right – if you do it right it is all about balance and raising them up in the best way you can!
Jeannette recently posted..How to Make Your Smile Sparkle in Three Short Days
Being a parent is the toughest job in the world. I hope that I do well enough that my children are respectable members of society. (And that they one day move out!)
So many great tips. Parenting is definitely hard that is for sure. But any advice we can get from one another can always help.
Avry recently posted..St. Patrick’s Pillow Boxes
I have trouble with hovering! I try not to, but it’s SO HARD! There are days I question everything I’ve done with my kids up to this point – but loving them unconditionally is not something I question.
Sara P. ( recently posted..Annie’s Petite Treats: Disney CARS Cake Pops