Five Principles of Parenting

Train up a child in the way he should go.

Proverbs 22:6

As my five children are moving towards young adulthood, I’m excited for their next stages in life even as the world becomes more wicked and unstable. There are many things I wish I would’ve done differently; however, the following 5 principles helped me along the way:

Point them to God in everything.
“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” (Psalm 34:11)
We don’t have to have all the answers to their questions. However, we can speak the truth of God’s word in a way that they can embrace and understand.

Pray they get caught when they sin.
“But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23)
When children are caught early, there is opportunity for teaching, training, and repentance. If they get away with sin often, they may grow up thinking that God doesn’t care about a sinful lifestyle.

Pursue a godly lifestyle.
“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 1:13)
Our choice to live faithfully is more about them than for ourselves. As we follow Christ, we lead the way for our children to know Him as well.

Prepare them for adulthood.
“I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.” (1 Corinthians 4:14)
We can raise our children to become independent adults with an awareness of faith and family. Giving them freedom to fail is a part of developing their decision making in the boundaries and safety of home.

Provide for their needs.
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
The spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical provision of children is a heavy responsibility. By the grace and mercy of God, sacrifices are made for their success in life.