The Role of Parents:
God’s attitude towards children:
1. God is the source of children (Genesis 4:1,25; Genesis 16:9-12; Genesis 17:16,20; Genesis 29:31-35; Genesis 33:5; Genesis 48:9; Ruth 4:13; 1 Samuel 1:19.).
2. Children are a heritage and a reward from the Lord (Psalm 127:3)
3. Children are a source of joy (Psalm 113:9; Psalm 127:4-5; Proverbs 23:24,25).
The submission of the parents:
1. Parents lead and rule the children by providing a loving environment of discipline.
2. Parents submit by not provoking the children to wrath (Ephesians 6:4) which results in anger, irritation, rebellion, and internal smoldering.
3. Parents should avoid:–
4. “Overprotection” which is not giving opportunity to gradually develop independence.
5. “Favouritism” which is preferring one child over another (Genesis 25:28). Don’t compare your children to one another.
6. “Strongly pushing achievement.” Many parents push the child so hard to fulfil the goals which they never accomplished themselves.
7. “Discouraging them.” Children need approval, rewards, and honour when they succeed. When they fail, point out their good points and encourage them in the right direction.
8. “Making them feel unwanted.” Children need to know that they are wanted and appreciated, so parents should show and tell them.
9. “Neglecting them.” David neglected Absalom (see Absalom’s profile). Parents should not be too busy for their children.
10. “Bitter words and cruel punishment.” Parents must be careful that they don’t take their anger out on their children.
11. “Discipline without instruction.” Children are angered when disciplined or corrected without knowing why.
The positive side is to “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4 Authorised King James Version)
“Nurture” means “training, learning, discipline.” There must be rules and regulations that lead to reward and punishment.
The Word says to discipline with a paddle (Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 9:15-17). Before spanking, make sure that the rule that was broken was clearly stated to and understood by the child. Never hit a child in anger. Sit with them and wait for the crying to stop and assure them of your love and instruct them to do right.
“Admonition” refers to counsel, verbal instruction with a view to correction. Never use negative words with anger in your voice as this can do far more harm than a smack. Words like “stupid”, “no good”, “useless”, “little horror”, do a lot of long term harm and the Bible says we get what we say.
We need to speak words of faith over our children, and talk about them as God does. He can see their good and potential and He is doing everything in His power to bring His plan for their life to pass, as parents we must make sure we are working with Him and not against Him.
