People have often commented on how well our children behave. Yes, I do work with them, but I am smart enough to realize that I cannot make my children listen. I learned this lesson when I worked at a daycare years ago. God is the only one that has the ability to change the heart of man. In the end, God has made the difference in my children. He has answered my prayer that my children would have a peaceful spirit.
In Matthew 6:33 we are instructed to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” It makes sense to pray to God about our children and ask how to bring out the best in our children. Prayer alone is not enough, James 2:17 says this “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” When I was done praying I had to work with my children. My faith combined with my works has helped our children have a peaceful spirit. Here are 10 steps I have taken that have often helped our children behave.
- Pray– This is the most important tip because without God’s instruction and grace, all of our efforts in training our children would be in vain. We need his gentle spirit to encourage our children to obey us. Any character trait you want your children to have pray and ask God to give your child that spirit. I am a witness he will answer your prayers. Every prayer I have prayed concerning my children God has answered.
- Have Praise and Worship at home– Our spirit is the most peaceful when we are in fellowship with Jesus Christ. Start your morning by filling their stomachs with food and then fill their spirit with praise. Allow praise and worship to be a time for them to express their praise in their own way. Limit rules during this time. You want your children to see praising God as something that is fun and peaceful. I have one rule, they must worship! I say the same thing in the beginning of praise and worship each day. “It is time for praise and worship. You can sing, dance, or play instrument. We are not playing with toys right now.” This lets the children know, now is a time for worshiping God, let’s have some fun!
- Play Music for them– While they are playing around the house put on a Christian CD or you can sing a song. Singing praise songs will usher in the Holy Spirit during play time. The word says in Psalms 22:3 that “God inhabits the praise of his people.”Where the spirit of the Lord is peace will also abide. You can even play instrumental Christian music for your children while they sleep. ( see my recommendation)
- Have a routine- Children thrive in routine. You can have some flexibility but try to have a few things that the kids can expect to do each day. Children love to know what’s going to happen next.
- Limit sugar- It is impossible to eliminate sugar, however, try to buy food that has the least amount of sugar in it. Candy should be a special occasion food. Children are full of energy naturally; when you add sugar to their diet it gives them extra energy with no purpose. Sugar does not encourage good behave from children.
- Have nap time/ quiet time- Everyone does better when they’ve had time to themselves. Children actually need 10-12 hours of sleep a night just to function at their best (see article.) So, if your child isn’t getting this amount of sleep at night, give them a nap during the day. Too much sleep can also cause children to misbehave. Make sure your children are having time to play and be a kid.
- Have a to-go-bag- Life is easier when you are prepared. Keep a bag full of snacks, drinks, and an extra change of clothes. In general kids are content as long as they are not hungry, thirsty, or wet.
- Give them options- Having options empower everyone. Give your children a chance to have a say in what they will wear, where to play, or even what they want to eat.
- Have a play area- Create a space in your home that is just for them. There is a reason why kids love going to CEC also known as Chuck-E- Cheese. The slogan for CEC is “a place where kids can be a kid.” Kids need to have an outlet, a place in the house where they can get their wiggles out.
- Serious Mom versus Fun mom- Children will listen when you make time for them. You cannot have a serious relationship with them all the time. Kids need to have fun with you. When you play with them it teaches them balance. They will understand that there is a time for everything, a time to be serious and a time to have fun.
Christianhomeschoolhq.com Challenge: For the rest of this week have praise and worship with your kids and play with them at least once a day. See if you notice a change in their behavior. As you are able attempt the other tips I have provided above.