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Teach Them Diligently
From Chaos to Calm: Day Twenty-one
Teach Them Diligently
Scripture Memory: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9
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Instilling a love for God’s Words in the heart of your children is no doubt the greatest gift you will ever give them. It is not enough to go to church once or twice a week and hope that the lessons learned will follow your child through his lifetime. While this may be the case, what more precious time could be spent with your children then reading God’s Word and instructing them in His righteousness?
There are many ways that you can teach your children about God’s ways. Last time, we talked about a number of things you can do. Today, I want to focus on prayer and study.
From the time your baby is born you can sing songs of praise to him or read stories about the Bible aloud. My children have always loved sitting with me and reading favorite books. By keeping a nice supply of good Bible story books around the house you will encourage your child to pick them up on his own and learn about God’s love.
Our memory verse for this day tells us that God’s commands should be taught to our children when we wake up, when we are sitting together at home, and when we are walking along. In other words, we should be talking about God all day long!
I love to point out God’s goodness throughout the day. When I see His protection I say, “God is so good to watch over us!” My children hear these words and learn that God’s hand is on our lives.
When I see a butterfly or a pretty flower, I will tell my children, “God is so creative to have made such wonderful creatures and such beautiful flowers for us to look at.” My children hear these words and learn that God cares about the little enjoyments we share.
When someone makes a mistake, I like to remind everyone, “Isn’t it wonderful how Jesus came and died so that when we make a mistake all we have to do is ask forgiveness? He loves us so very much!” My children hear these words and they learn of Christ’s incredible love and grace!
Talk with your children about the lessons you have learned from God. Tell them when you learn a better way. Let your children see you pray. Let them hear you pray for them. Begin your day as a family with prayer and a short Word from God. Pray together often. Ask for special requests and petitions for the Lord. Your children have burdens just as you do that need to be lifted up to God in prayer!
Commit to having family worship in the evenings at least once a week, but every night would be even better. Use that time to sing favorite praise songs and hymns. Read Bible stories aloud and discuss the meanings found in the story. Hold hands and pray together.
Sometimes, we as moms don’t always live a life that is becoming of a Christian woman. However, if we teach our children the ways of God; if we teach our children about repentance and forgiveness; if we teach our children how to move forward day by day basking in the glorious grace of Jesus their hearts will be His.
Child Training
From Chaos to Calm: Day Twenty
Child Training
Scripture Memory: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Photo Credit: Susan Parrish
Download the .pdf version of this article.
I remember holding my son for the very first time and gazing with wonder that he was mine. What would he become? The answer to that question was found not in a book, but in my willingness to patiently teach him day by day.
James was my first and I had prepared myself as best I could for the job of being a mom. I read every book I could get my hands on. I wanted to know the best ways to do everything from feeding him to disciplining him.
That was nearly twenty years ago. One thing I have learned is that on the job training never ends. There is always more to learn. As a baby grows into a child and then into a teenager the problems a mother is faced with grow and change and only get more complex.
I now have five beautiful children of my own and through the years have learned that children require a great deal of patience and teaching. With each child I have learned better ways and new ways of dealing with the same problems. In all honesty, there are things I wish I could go back and change, but, unfortunately, any mistakes we make as moms cannot be undone.
How can a mother raise a child who loves the Lord, works hard, and is kind to others when this world encourages immorality?
Begin as soon as possible. Whether you have a newborn baby or teen, begin setting an example for Godly living today. It will be easier to change bad habits in a very young child than an older child, but it is possible to teach children at any age.
Be consistent. One of the biggest mistakes moms make is being inconsistent. When you tell your child the rules, follow through. If little Johnny knows he is not supposed to jump on the sofa, do not ignore the bad behavior because you don’t feel like dealing with a fuss or because you are busy.
Be patient. Being a mom is not always easy. You will have to teach your child the same principles over and over… and over again. Sometimes these teaching moments will be painful. When your child tests your resolve by mouthing off, it pains your heart. Patience will help you to deal with the disobedience without losing your cool. Patience will also help you to enjoy those many teachable moments. For instance, my children crowd around me in the kitchen to help. Often when cooking supper, I am rushed and wanting to get supper on the table fast. However, if I take the time to let the children stir the batter, tear the salad, or flip the patties, I have taught them how to love by my willingness to be patient.
Be firm. Children need to know their limits. If you allow your child complete freedom without setting specific limits, you will raise children who are out of control and rude. Parents who set reasonable rules for their children have children who are secure in their love and who are able to respect authority on a greater leave, i.e. teachers, employers, the government. Remember – if you say NO, do not give in and say YES. Whining, badgering, and complaining should never be a reason to change your mind. You will teach your children that if they beg long enough you will eventually wear down.
Be an example. If it is important to you that your children are well mannered, respect others, and work hard set the standard by your own behavior. Children learn more by watching you that they do by listening to you. Always remember to say please and thank you. If your child brings you a flower or helps to clean up, tell him thank you. When you are thoughtful of the needy in your church or community, you are setting a good example. If you want your child to learn to be neat, make sure you keep your own things picked up.
Be fun. Motherhood will pass by faster than you could ever imagine. I am still in shock that my son is almost 16! I wish I had realized years ago how much I wanted to hang onto the precious times we had together. Read to your child daily. Play games with your child. Laugh with your child. Explore the world together. Find the magic in the everyday moments. Snuggle as much as possible.
Be a witness. Giving a solid foundation of Biblical teaching is the greatest gift you can give your child. Pray with your child every morning and every night. Read the Bible together. Study together. Talk about the Scriptures and how the Bible applies to today. Show your child what it means to live a Godly life.
There will be times when you feel that all your hard work is not working! But you can trust God when he says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Family Keepsake Plate
Only a few more days until Christmas! I can hardly believe it myself. We’ve had a crazy month – two weeks of traveling in Florida followed by a week of the flu. So, I’m trying to get in the mood!
This plate is just too cute to pass up. Looks easy and cheap to make! What’s not to love? And the penguins are just too sweet!
Check out the instructions over at Craft Jr and have some Christmas fun! Oh, and while you’re at it, you could make several to give to grandparents, aunts and uncles…
Sonbeams Chore Charts: Product Review
Sonbeams Chore Charts
Start the new year off right with your children. Teaching your children to be diligent with their chores on a daily basis is never an easy task. However, with the right motivation and the right tools, it can be made easier.
Sonbeams Chore Charts come in two styles – boy or girl. Each dry erase chore chart has magnets. I have two of them hanging on the refrigerator at eye level for my two youngest daughters. Each day, as they complete their chores, its fun and easy for them to check off their accomplishments. Another idea would be to use these charts for your homeschool, listing each subject to be completed.
What I especially loved about these chore charts is the verse written right on the board: “And whatever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:23
If you are looking for a new way to encourage diligence in your own children why not try the Sonbeam Chore Charts. You won’t be disappointed!
Make a Dollhouse… Out of a Drawer
For that little girl in your life… what could be better than a homemade, totally cute dollhouse? When I saw this little gem:
I instantly fell in love! It reminds me of another dollhouse – much larger that I saw a few years ago over at Turkey Feathers. What a wholesome activity for little girls! Be sure to Check out NiceGirl Notes for the tutorial!
Homemade Checkers Game Board
In a day and age when most children are bombarded with electronic games, why not give your child a gift that will stand the test of time? This homemade checkers board game is so sweet! You could definitely change the colors if you want to make one for your boy! Be sure to visit Little Miss Momma to check out the tutorial!
The Children’s Table
One of my favorite traditions for Thanksgiving is the Children’s Table. It’s a table decorated just for the youngest members of the family – say 10 years old and under. In our house, Thanksgiving Dinner takes place around three or four o’clock in the afternoon. Needless to say, if the kids are not occupied with activities, waiting for dinner to be ready can be a challenge!
At the children’s table, I like to provide activities, decorations, and more just for the kids! Here are some ideas you might like to use:
- Cover the table with brown paper (such as paper grocery bags cut up or packing paper) and provide crayons for the kids to decorate their “tablecloth.”
- Have the children make the center piece, place cards, and napkin rings. Then, they can help set their table and make it pretty!
- Provide Thanksgiving coloring sheets and crayons or markers.
- Offer easy to assemble crafts such as Pilgrims hats and Bonnets or Native American Headdresses.
- Have the children decorate place mats that you print. Cut them out and glue to orange or brown construction paper. Then decorate the table with them.
- Make fun turkeys for kids to take home after dinner is over.
- Don’t forget to provide some fun desserts for the kids, too!
Make this Thanksgiving a day the kids won’t forget!
Spool Pumpkin Craft
This is a sweet and simple idea. I think you could use these little pumpkins at each place setting on your thanksgiving table – maybe take home favors or even use them as place cards. You could do these with your children as part of your homeschool, too!
These little pumpkins are frugal, too! Check out the tutorial over at I Can Teach My Child.
Towel Bib Tutorial
This darling bib is the perfect thing to keep your little darlings clean! One of my biggest pet peeves is dirty children and messy children at meal times. I always made sure my little ones were wearing bibs. I enjoyed making handmade ones, too! Moms of preschoolers and toddlers, you’ll have to check out this great tutorial on Sew Much Ado. Looks simple!
Child Training
Excerpted from the book From Chaos to Calm by Melissa Ringstaff
Scripture Memory: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
I remember holding my son for the very first time and gazing with wonder that he was mine. What would he become? The answer to that question was found not in a book, but in my willingness to patiently teach him day by day.
James was my first and I had prepared myself as best I could for the job of being a mom. I read every book I could get my hands on. I wanted to know the best ways to do everything from feeding him to disciplining him.
That was nineteen years ago. One thing I have learned is that on the job training never ends. There is always more to learn. As a baby grows into a child and then into a teenager the problems a mother is faced with grow and change and only get more complex.
I now have five beautiful children of my own and through the years have learned that children require a great deal of patience and teaching. With each child I have learned better ways and new ways of dealing with the same problems. In all honesty, there are things I wish I could go back and change, but, unfortunately, any mistakes we make as moms cannot be undone.
How can a mother raise a child who loves the Lord, works hard, and is kind to others when this world encourages immorality?
Begin as soon as possible. Whether you have a newborn baby or teen, begin setting an example for Godly living today. It will be easier to change bad habits in a very young child than an older child, but it is possible to teach children at any age.
Be consistent. One of the biggest mistakes moms make is being inconsistent. When you tell your child the rules, follow through. If little Johnny knows he is not supposed to jump on the sofa, do not ignore the bad behavior because you don’t feel like dealing with a fuss or because you are busy.
Be patient. Being a mom is not always easy. You will have to teach your child the same principles over and over… and over again. Sometimes these teaching moments will be painful. When your child tests your resolve by mouthing off, it pains your heart. Patience will help you to deal with the disobedience without losing your cool. Patience will also help you to enjoy those many teachable moments. For instance, my children crowd around me in the kitchen to help. Often when cooking supper, I am rushed and wanting to get supper on the table fast. However, if I take the time to let the children stir the batter, tear the salad, or flip the patties, I have taught them how to love by my willingness to be patient.
Be firm. Children need to know their limits. If you allow your child complete freedom without setting specific limits, you will raise children who are out of control and rude. Parents who set reasonable rules for their children have children who are secure in their love and who are able to respect authority on a greater leave, i.e. teachers, employers, the government. Remember – if you say NO, do not give in and say YES. Whining, badgering, and complaining should never be a reason to change your mind. You will teach your children that if they beg long enough you will eventually wear down.
Be an example. If it is important to you that your children are well mannered, respect others, and work hard set the standard by your own behavior. Children learn more by watching you that they do by listening to you. Always remember to say please and thank you. If your child brings you a flower or helps to clean up, tell him thank you. When you are thoughtful of the needy in your church or community, you are setting a good example. If you want your child to learn to be neat, make sure you keep your own things picked up.
Be fun. Motherhood will pass by faster than you could ever imagine. I am still in shock that my son is almost 16! I wish I had realized years ago how much I wanted to hang onto the precious times we had together. Read to your child daily. Play games with your child. Laugh with your child. Explore the world together. Find the magic in the everyday moments. Snuggle as much as possible.
Be a witness. Giving a solid foundation of Biblical teaching is the greatest gift you can give your child. Pray with your child every morning and every night. Read the Bible together. Study together. Talk about the Scriptures and how the Bible applies to today. Show your child what it means to live a Godly life.
There will be times when you feel that all your hard work is not working! But you can trust God when he says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Melissa Ringstaff is the Founding Director of A Virtuous Woman, a pastor’s wife, and homeschooling mom. She is the author of several titles including The Homemaker’s Journal: Keeping House, If It Were Not So…, Spring Cleaning for the Heart and Home and From Chaos to Calm: 15 Weeks to a Happy Home.
