“But I want it now!” Sound familiar? We always want what we want now, not later. The latest iPhone, a bigger house or that nice pair of boots we just passed by. How often do we satisfy our desires right away? We do the same with our kids. “Change your clothes, now.” “Come here, now.” “I’m waiting!” We often find ourselves impatient with the things we want from our children. Our actions toward how we deal with our immediate desires will make an impact on how our children will act with their own immediate desires.

 Teaching our children to wait, will allow them time to calm their desire for immediate satisfaction. It teaches them to be content in the meantime whether they receive what they want or not.

During times of hustle and bustle during the day like dropping off and picking up the kids from school, stop and remember to remain calm and patient even when things don’t go how you’ve planned. The kids may even notice the softer, calmer voice you’re using with them!

Raising children can be challenging. Our life and daily routine can become so overwhelming. The stress we carry from trying to balance the household and everyday life can build up and leave us with no room for our children who need a lot of attention. This weekend, while trying to rush my family of five out the door for church, my 5 year old daughter was asking for my help and I told her to just hurry up and don’t say anything. Our conversation turned into her screaming that I never ever help her and I replied by telling her she was ungrateful and to not ask me for anything else for the rest of the day. At service they played the song, “One Thing Remains” and I was quickly reminded how I treated my daughter.

 Think of a time in the past 48 hours that you’ve brushed off your child because you were “too busy” or “didn’t have enough time” to listen to them. Before bedtime, remind your child about how, even though life can seem hectic, your love will never fail, it will never give up, and it will never go out on them.

Generosity takes another form when we’re talking about the words we use. A generous heart is apparent when a person speaks to others with encouragement and truth. When we choose to speak well of people even though they are not present, or we respond to difficult situations with gentle words, we reflect God’s love. Speaking words of love to others and about others is a beautiful way of living generously.

Next time your family is gathered together, listen to the words that are used. Discuss how those words reflect what is coming from the heart.

With our busy schedules, giving our time can be the most sacrificial giving we do! People who are in need are all around us. Trying to help others when our own children are young and require so much care can feel overwhelming. But whatever time we do give, we can give it cheerfully and graciously. If we humbly ask God how we can use our time wisely to serve others, he will be faithful to direct us.

Talk with your kids about how you can use your time to bless others. What would that look like for your family?

When we read the story of the widow’s offering, we are reminded of the heart issues associated with our giving. What faith the widow showed that day! She gave all she had, while trusting that God would continue to provide for her needs. Faith and generosity go hand in hand. When we share our possessions with others and give sacrificially, needs are met far beyond what is tangible. Our faith is strengthened and our hearts are transformed.
What possessions can your family share with others?

Looking back, I’m sure most parents have some regrets about the dumb, mischievous things we’ve done in the past with our friends. Whether it was a crazy dare or trying something illegal, peer pressure transcends any generation. What can we do to advise our children about peer pressure?

Take a look at the people they hang out with. We have the advantage of setting up boundaries when it comes to our children’s friends especially during the early childhood years. In the meantime, work on their heart, “Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4 CEV) We can build them up so they know the difference between right and wrong, and be able to stand strong against any pressure they may face, even with their friends.

Have a conversation with your children and ask them what they like best about their friends. Ask them if they disagree on some things. This will give you an inside view of your child’s relationship with the people they spend a lot of time with.

Unfortunately, a person’s experience with bullying can start at a very young age. Sometimes, these negative experiences can continue well into adult life in some form or another. At the young and pure age of 4 and 5, my children have already experienced discrimination based on their skin color and learning disabilities. I began to realize the importance of teaching my children early on about being bullied and I encouraged them to never be a bully to anyone else. When they had their first encounter with a bully, it was a great opportunity for me to teach them about how even Jesus was consistently taunted, even until the day he died on the cross. Encourage your children to respond to bullying without vengeance or being abusive and demeaning of the other person. You can refer to the following verse and read how Jesus responded after getting slapped by a high priest – (John 18:19-23 NIV). Getting through a bully situation is never easy, but the righteous response can produce long term rewards.

Ask your child if they’ve ever personally experienced bullying or if they have ever bullied someone else. Encourage them to communicate with you in the future if these situations ever arise. You may even find it helpful to go over different scenarios and encourage the right responses.

So I have a pretty good kid.  But these days for some reason I am trying to work with him on trying to understand being responsible.  It is hard because I don’t know if it is just because he is half way done with the school year, his age, or what.  But he is just having issues understanding that kids have chores and in and outside the home.  I get told from everyone at school and other parents that he is a good kid.  But well his room and things everyday I beg to differ on.  I have to fight with him almost to understand to pick up his clothing, brush his teeth, take a shower, and just general things he should be use to already doing.  And yes it is frustrating for both of us. 

I am trying not to pull my hair out and to get so upset but it is hard when you see that these things are so simple and he just isn’t doing them.  I let him know that other friends of his have way more responsibilities than he does but that doesn’t seem to matter.  It is frustrating.

Think about the last time you encountered a bully. What was your response? My guess is, like me, your first response probably wasn’t to pray. It isn’t always easy to respond with the kindness that Jesus teaches. For many of our kids, bullies are a common challenge at school, on sports teams and in our neighborhoods. We have the opportunity and the challenge to model Christ-like kindness by responding to the bullies in our lives the way Jesus taught us to, and then lead our children to do the same.

Take a few minutes to talk with your kids about any bullies they may know at their school. How do they treat others? Ask your children why they think these bullies treat others the way they do. Together, think of some kind ways to respond to bullying.