Parenting Elementary Kids

The family is a unit, a team, created by God to nurture and develop children into full court followers of Christ. God gives clear direction on the role of the parent, we are teaching and training our kids to leave! Kids go, parents stay. The reality is that parenting is not easy, but through Jesus and his church we can raise Godly kids who can do amazing things for Him. As a parent, it should be your priority to teach your kids God’s truth found in scripture, and to regularly attend church and have your child in age- appropriate teaching. As you partner with the church, they will affirm the values and principles you are teaching at home. Here are three things to remember as a parent:

You are the CEO.

God’s organization chart for the family is God, spouses, and then kids. One of the biggest mistakes parents make is giving up control of their household to their children. Parents must be the ones leading their house and making the best decisions for their kids. Your child is not mature enough to determine their own bedtime, what they can watch, or who they can hang out with. Kids crave structure and need boundaries, but if you don’t set them, they will take advantage every time. As you set their schedule, they will learn to follow and thrive in the structure you have given them. God has given you the responsibility to set the priorities for you home, so live out the leadership you have been given!

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” - Proverbs 22:6

You are the Disciplinarian.

The goal of discipline is simply this: to mold and to shape our children with their unique talents and abilities to glorify God. We’re to discipline because God disciplines us. Discipline is positive – training toward a better future. The key to discipline is consistency. Discipline in childhood helps shape your kids into the best version of themselves. One parent may be a stronger disciplinarian than the other but you must always show a united front. Be encouraged it is never too late to start!

“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.” - Proverbs 10:17

You are the Example.

Children learn a great deal through direct teaching but learn much more through watching how you live. The key to good parenting is modeling Jesus to the best of your ability. Your kids should see you spending time in God’s word, serving others, sharing how Jesus has changed your life, and being committed to God’s house. As you live out God’s commands, your children will follow. Following Jesus is not a one-time event, it is a lifetime pursuit. There are no perfect parents and you will make mistakes, but with Jesus’ help and his guidance you can show your kids that the greatest life they can ever life is one that is committed to Jesus!  

“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” - Deuteronomy 6:9