Have you ever met a person that is the perfect parent?
Just in case I have mislead you into believing that I would qualify for that title, allow me to submit the following evidence to the contrary…
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Bill and I are not a perfect parents. We make mistakes… DAILY. Our parenting style is often inconsistent. We struggle with knowing how to discipline our children and often ask questions like:
- What should we do in this situation?
- What did we do last time?
- What does the Bible say about this?
- Can we just ignore them and hope the situation gets better without our involvement?
Doorposts Biblical Parenting Charts
I was sharing our discipline issues on Facebook one evening when a reader suggested I check out Doorposts. Immediately, I knew that I had to try out these amazing parenting helps for Bible-based character training.
During Mommy’s Back to School Boot Camp, we introduced the If-Then Chart and the Blessings Chart. We allowed the children to help up come up with rewards for good behavior and then discipline for misbehavior. We placed the charts on the side of our refrigerator for the children to review as needed.
If-Then Chart Example
Blessings Chart Example
By the way, just in case you have a hard time deciding what types of rewards and discipline would be appropriate, there are helpful suggestions on the back of each chart.
The Results in Our Behavior
We began to see a difference in our children immediately.
Lira and Franc quickly memorized the rewards of their better attributes and punishments of one another’s faults. While I am not sure if “Lira, if you do that you are going to have extra chores!” qualifies as Biblical accountability, the reminders the children offer one another are working… kind of.
Something I did not expect was the change I see in my own behavior.
Gone are the rants and nagging. The yelling has disappeared. My inconsistency with how I discipline the children and when has evaporated.
I now approach each situation knowing what the consequences are to both good and bad behavior. I also have motivation to catch my children being good and I have the support of Scripture prominently displayed on our charts.
When the Newness Wears Off
As we settle into our school year, I plan to bring out the Brother-Offended Checklist and the Go-to-the-Ant Chart.
Brother-Offended Checklist
We have a serious problem with Tattle Tails in this house and instead of intervening constantly, I want to train the children to work out their problems with one another before seeking my help. The Brother-Offended Checklist offers step-by-step examples of what a child should do when another child has hurt their feelings.
Likewise, the checklist also has a special section for the person who is the “offender.”
I love that each step is enforced by Scripture so the child knows WHY he should pursue peacemaking behaviors.
Go-to-the-Ant Chart
When we first started doing chores, the children enjoyed it tremendously… and then they realized that this was work.
The Go-to-the-Ant Chart offer encouragement for the child who needs a boost of character training. Divided into sections by the diligent behavior we should seek, the chart will ask the child a question about their behavior and then answer with a Scripture.
Honestly, I need to memorize this chart just for me!
Buy It
If you want to invest in these wonderful charts to build your family on a strong Biblical foundation, you can purchase them from Doorposts for $27.00
Win It
Doorposts has very generously offered a set of the Biblical Parenting Charts for me to give away. Please come back during the Mommy Time Facebook Party on Tuesday, August 21st at 8 PM Central to enter for your chance to win.
Also, do not forget that if you have questions regarding discipline and behavior, you can submit those questions on our RSVP form. By RSVPing, you are entering to win $50!
We are doing everything we can to give our son the foundation and understanding he needs to succeed in his faith. I’ve been reading a great new book by Dr. Tony Evans. One of the goals of the book is to help parents grow in confidence as they discover their worth as a parent based on God’s Word. He says just what you are saying, “Instructing your children in the Lord means spending time with them so they can see how you live out the gospel.” It’s called “Raising Kingdom Kids: Giving Your Child a Living Faith.” He says, “It’s far easier to SHAPE A CHILD than to REPAIR AN ADULT. Raising kids who recognize and retain their identity as children of the King launches healthy adults who have the capacity to stand strong in their faith.” Equipping and guiding our children starts with us, parents! This is the most solid, thorough, inspirational and affirming parent book I’ve ever read! I love it and HIGHLY recommend it for all parents! http://www.raisingkingdomkids.com
I just had to laugh out loud when I read your post on this. I have so been struggling with my 3 boys lately. I hate their bad attitudes, but then realize they probably are reflecting what they hear me say sarcastically to them at times. Thank you so much for your honesty!!!! I am going to look into those lovely charts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I think of how flawed I am, it amazes me that my kids are so… normal. LOL
if you raise your children on christian behalf, i feel so sorry for them. i can’t imagine how it would be, having a brainwashed, abusive mom who lack common sense and education. And the “effects” you see, is obvious results. anyone could make someone obey them, with the use of violence, threats and fear. This is called “brainwashing” for your information.