CHANGE Magazine, a Creflo Dollar Publication

February/March 2010
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Be a Hands-on Parent!

By Tawanda Mills

Proverbs 22:6 teaches us to train our children in the way they should go. To train means to mold character, instruct by exercise, and to drill. In other words, we teach our children how to live their lives just as we would show them how to brush their teeth. We must take a hands-on approach and demonstrate. We teach by example.

There is a difference between teaching children and training them. Teaching is instructing, and training is showing and correcting. In life, there are certain lessons we can learn by instruction, and then there are those we only learn through demonstration. As parents, when we take on an active and loving role in our children’s lives, we take the first step toward biblical training.

The Bible tells us that our children are a reward and heritage from God (Psalm 127:3). One definition of the Hebrew word for heritage is assignment. Our children are our assignment. Therefore, it is imperative that we raise them according to the biblical principles God has established in His Word. Here are a few ways you can begin to cultivate a more hands-on approach to raising your children:  

  1. Help your children guard their hearts and minds against the negative influences of society. Establish rules in your household and be consistent in carrying them out. Help your children understand why you are establishing certain rules so they will know why they should live a godly lifestyle. For example, entertainment and advertisement today is saturated with sexually-suggestive messages. Talk to your children about the things they see and how those things do not agree with biblical standards. Substitute entertainment that is filled with sexual immorality, profane language, violent behavior, etc., with godly entertainment that is interesting and creative.
  2. Be a good example. Many parents do not live the lifestyle they teach their children to live. It is challenging to try to persuade your children to live a godly lifestyle when they see you living ungodly. When you live your life according to biblical principles and standards, you teach your children to do the same. Talk to your children about your decision to establish a lifestyle that agrees with the Bible. In addition, show them where they can find scriptures that deal with their everyday situations.
  3. Spend time listening to your children. Carve out a special time each day to wind down, relax, and talk with your children. Let them know that this particular time of day is just for them. They should be comfortable talking to you, knowing you genuinely care about their interests. Use this time to cultivate effective communication, which will also help establish a close relationship with them. 
  4. Help them to view their Christian lifestyle as one that is filled with fun! Incorporate as much fun as possible in your day-to-day activities. Ask your children what they like to do for fun. Get a calendar and place it where your children can see it. Set dates for the fun-filled activities your children enjoy. In addition, get involved in your local church and community and encourage your children to take part in various activities. Also, invite family and friends over to play games, watch movies, have dinner parties, do charity work, etc. The more the merrier!

Hands-on parenting should always be loving and supportive. The home environment should be nurturing, loving, and educational. On a regular basis, show your children that they are loved, accepted, and highly valued at home! Remember, being a hands-on parent will positively impact your children for the rest of their lives.

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In This Issue:

  • Publisher's Statement
  • A Light in the Midst of Darkness
  • Be a Hands-on Parent!
  • Creating a Successful Marriage
  • What’s Your Love Language?
  • Why Tithe?
  • Move Around!
  • Credits
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