As a Mom to 4 children, I will take all the godly parenting advice that I can get from experienced Moms who have walked before me. Raising my children to know and love the Lord is my highest calling.
At times, this is delightful and marvelous. But more often, it is challenging and monotonous. I often question whether I’m doing a good job or even if I’m doing the right thing at all. I know that I still have so much to learn and am always thrilled when I find a book that helps me through this important journey.
‘5 Golden Rules of Parenting’ was such an encouragement to me. Michele Unger lays out 5 simple concepts that will transform your relationship with your kids. The book is short and to the point. Too often, in many books, there is a lot of psychobabble and precious little “Truth.” Not so with Michele’s book.
She gives plenty of biblical backing for her rules and shares many helpful scripture references. She gives several examples of real life ways to carry out her concepts for each rule. I love seeing this in practical terms and these stories drive home her lessons.
You can easily read this book in one sitting and feel empowered to charge ahead with a plan for raising your own kids to know and love God.
My favorite rule is #3, which is “Always Follow Through”. I think that it is so important to be consistent with your kids. I’ve seen this firsthand in my own life.
Here’s an example that comes to mind: When I was pregnant with my first baby, my husband and I had lunch at Panera Bread one day. A mom and dad with 3 young children came in and sat down next to us. The kids were all rambunctious and not listening. The parents looked exhausted and defeated.
The kids were standing in their seats, throwing their food, and literally running in opposite directions through the restaurant. The parents repeatedly said, “If you don’t stop doing (fill in the blank) you won’t get any ice cream!”
The kids clearly were not taking Mom and Dad very seriously and they continued their bad behavior. The parents never took the ice cream away and the kids never behaved. It was obvious that this wasn’t the first time the parents had thrown around idle threats without following through.
It was a great lesson for my husband and me to say what we mean and mean what we say. It’s so exhausting to repeat yourself over and over again and not have your kids listen or change their behavior. However, if you always follow through, your kids will listen and obey because you have proven that your words aren’t empty threats.
My prayer for you is that you would press on toward the high calling of raising your children to love and fear the Lord. I pray that you don’t “grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9 NKJV)
Is there a particular parenting book that’s been helpful for you? Or one that’s on your list to read? Let me know in the comments!
–Joy Robbins