Teaching Children Selflessness

My kids like to fight... a lot. And it is always over some toy that everyone wants to play with RIGHT NOW or they just might keel over. And they like to whine, quite a bit for the same reason. Part of this is just age-appropriate behavior, even though it is seldom appropriate. Whining and fighting is to be expected, and it is the perfect opportunity to teach children selflessness.

LIMIT TOYS: I find that the more toys my children get, the more their appetite for more "stuff". It is a great idea to put limits on the number of things a child receives every month. You have to figure out what works for you, but I think no more than one small thing each month is enough. Larger toys can wait for birthdays and Christmas.

LIMIT SNACKS: For the same reason as above. Not only is it good for their health to limit junk food, but it helps to lessen the "gimmies".

DONATE: Set a limit on the number of toys your child has at any one time. If new things come into the home, let your child choose an older toy to donate to needy children. And bring your son or daughter along with you so that they can be the ones doing the donating. They will be excited to help others.

ROTATE: Too many toys out at once are overwhelming and encourage a child to expect that such abundance is their "right". We keep some toys in our cellar and rotate them every couple of months. The kids like it better with fewer toys out anyway, and it is cleaner.

EXPECT SHARING: This is a hard and fast rule... not an option.

NO TOLERANCE FOR THE GIMMIES: The bible says to "Be happy with what you have." Hebrew 13:5. My kids have memorized this verse. They are far from perfect at carrying it out but at least they can be reminded of God's loving standard.

Kids will be kids... look at selfishness as an opportunity to teach selflessness, and greed as an opportunity to teach generosity. The Lord allows us to teach them young! Be firm and loving, and let God do the rest.

Rachel

Halloween Idea

A great idea from a friend of mine.... we couldn't decide what to do about halloween. As Christians we on one hand didn't want to take part, but on the other hand want to enjoy the holiday and be a light in the community. So what alternatives to the traditional are there? Here's one.

My boys LOVE superheroes. For the months of September and October we will teach them about the superheroes of the bible like Sampson, David, Gideon etc, and why they are so super. Then they can dress up as one of them for the halloween holiday. Whenever someone asks who they are, they will have a shining answer ready. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15

We will probably trick or treat only to people we know for safety's sake. We may buy bible stickers to put on the candy we give out to the kids who come by. Now, for a holiday I was confused about, I am looking forward to with joy.

See also A Godly Twist on Halloween... http://biblebabies.blogspot.com/2008/10/godly-twist-on-halloween.html

Do you have any alternatives or views on Halloween? I'd love to hear them,

Rachel

Teaching a Child to Fear the Lord

How do you teach a child the fear of the Lord without making him scared of God? What exactly is the fear of the Lord? The bible says that

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7 NIV

and

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 NIV

So the fear of the Lord is intertwined with wisdom, knowledge and discipline. How do you teach a child to be wise and to fear the Lord?

1) Discipline him - "All children are foolish, but firm correction will make them change." Proverbs 22:15 (CEV) The bible is pretty clear here. The opposite of wisdom is foolishness. The way to lead a child to wisdom is to steer his heart by way of loving discipline. Discipline him according to the wisdom and guidance found in the Word of God.

2) Teach him about God - Proverbs 9:10 states that "knowledge of the Holy One is understanding". Everything you know about God, teach it to your child. How can a person fear the One he knows little or nothing about? It is God's greatness that commands our awe of Him, and demands our loyalty and affection. So teach... everything from the wonders of creation to the awesome character of our loving Father.

Two simple steps that are not so easy to carry out. But there is a reward for those who persevere. I love Proverbs 23:15, which states, "My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad" and Isaiah 40:11, "He gently leads those that have young."

With prayers,
Rachel

A Godly Twist on Halloween... http://biblebabies.blogspot.com/2008/10/godly-twist-on-halloween.html

How should we teach our children to pray?

One thing I hear Christians complain about consistently is the quality (and quantity) of their prayer life... or specifically, the lack thereof. Having a deep and consistent prayer life is essential to remaining in the vine. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, and unless we remain in Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

So it is no surprise that we need to teach our children how to pray. I think the Lord's prayer is a wonderful model. You can teach children to memorize it, which has certain benefits, but it is also important to teach the principles behind the prayer. Matthew 6:9-13:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Acknowledge God, who He is, and praise Him for His greatness and holiness.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
So often I pray my list of needs, as if everything is about me, and forget to pray that God's will be done. He works everything for our good, and for His glory, so of course I want His will to be done. I want my children to desire His will also.

Give us this day our daily bread.
Ask God for our needs. He desires to give them to us. Be specific. The bible says that we do not have because we do not ask (James 4:2).

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Confess and ask God to forgive us our sins. At the same time, forgive others who have hurt us, so that we can be forgiven. That's the deal. And it's a pretty good one if you ask me.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
Before Peter denied the Lord three times, Jesus warned him that this would happen. He also told him to pray so that he wouldn't fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41). There are specific sins that we are all prone to, depending on our circumstances and personalities. Again, pray specifically for protection from these sins.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.
Again, praise Him! He is worthy of all praise and honor and glory! Our awesome God!

Amen.

How to Choose a Children's Devotional Book

There are so many devotional books for children out there that it can be hard to decide which is best. I like a devotional book that is simple, attractive to children, and with relevant topics. What do I mean by relevant? Things that are:


1) Concrete. Children are not abstract thinkers. You need to tell them the facts straight, without using a lot of imagery and metaphors, until they are old enough to understand them.


2) Understandable. Topics should cover things that are realities in a child's life. If the kids are not in school yet, then books about bullying and homework may be above their heads. Think of your child and what they need to learn.


3) Biblical. Devotionals should teach truths about God. The focus should not be on self, but on the Lord. The truths should be true... know the background of the person who wrote the book.


4) Easy to use. Devotionals for young children should be attractive to both child and parent. Illustraions are good. Big, thin books are better... they are visually appealing and not overwhelming in content. Do it together. Enjoy it.


So, how about a recommendation? I like Small Talks about God, by Kenneth Taylor. Look through Amazon or Christianbook.com and see what you like. They often include views of the table of contents and sample chapters. Devotional times are important opportunities to connect with your kids on a social and spiritual level. Enjoy!

Summer Bananas in Pyjamas

Oh those bananas!
I could eat three or four a day,
but I'd rather play
with my bubbly babies
and say,
"hello?"

They make me giggle
the way the peals wiggle
through their shoulders
down to their toes
and they laugh
"hello?"

Oh those bananas!
making yellow streaks
up and down my halls
like mountain peaks
my monkeys shriek
"hello?!"

Jumping like summer
No need to be glummer
Yellow like sun
bananas and fun
gleefully squeaking
“hello!”

They drive me bananas
I love them bananas
in summer pyjamas
appealing...
and squealing
"hello!"

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy... 1 Timothy 6:17

Anger, Depression and Christian Parenting

Which parent do you know who has never raised their voice to their child? Or lost it when one kept pushing their buttons? Which parent do you know who is happy all of the time? I say... it can't be done. However for many of us, anger and depression becomes the norm, rather than a once-in-a-while occurance, and affects our parenting in a negative way.

The Lord is willing to change us if we are willing to admit our powerlessness over sin. Sounds like I'm telling you to just give up doesn't it? Not at all. I'm suggesting that we stop trying to fix ourselves by our own willpower and let God fix us by His mighty power! This is the first step in any 12 step program. Why? Because it works.

If anger or depression has taken a foothold in your life, you no doubt have tried to change to no avail. You may do well for a while and then when you least expect it... bam! It's back again. The first step has to be that you admit that you are powerless over your tendancy to do the wrong thing, and turn your life over to the care and control of God.

Another saying in the 12 step world is this: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result. So if you are struggling with anger or depression, why not try something new?

Celebrate Recovery is a Christian 12 step program for all kinds of hurts, habits and hangups... addictions, compulsive eating, eating disorders, fear, anger, depression, anxiety, etc. If you would like loving Christian support to overcome what is causing you distress, visit their website and find a group near you. It's practical and it works! Celebrate Recovery Canada can be found --> here.

I am also reading a very good book right now called Mind Over Mood. It is very practical and teaches how to overcome strong moods that are unwanted and distressing, by changing the way you think. I highly recommend it for anyone who may be struggling. It is helping me tremendously.

I hope these two resources can be of help to many. My own battle with depression has been a long and difficult one, and when I reached the end of myself, there I found God... waiting to walk the journey for me - with me in His arms. So I say, give it up! God is waiting to pick it up!

Prayers,
Rachel