1) Spend quiet time alone with the Lord. Ask Him to help determine your home environment and set goals to achieve this with His direction. Proverbs 14:1 speaks of the important role we have as women to build up our homes, not tear them down. Determine that your words will create an encouraging atmosphere in your home.
2) Take an inventory analysis of each child. Again, with the Lord’s help, you will be able to identify their strengths, talents, insecurities, and weaknesses. Think about their character qualities. Make a game plan on how you will invest in your children this year, building them up with words of encouragement,
3) Spend time with your children reading God’s Word and sharing application. Read a few verses in Proverbs each day. Share the meaning of the verse, several examples from your life and from the world today that applies to their age and understanding level.
4) Make your time count: listen to your children, then listen some more. At night rub your son’s back in his bed while he opens up to you about his life and heart. When your child is talking with you ask if there is anything else they would like to discuss. Even say to your child, “Let’s sit down and talk. What else is on your mind.” Let them talk and see that you have time to listen.
5) Your child’s heart should safely trust in you. Keep confidences. Do not share things about your children with others that might embarrass or belittle them. Do share with others, in front of your children, things you are proud of in your their lives. Do freely express to your children the positive attributes you see taking shape in them. Do not laugh at feelings expressed to you.
6) When you have wronged your child, do not let the sun go down upon your wrath. Go to your child with humility and express your wrong actions. Ask for forgiveness and end with thankfulness for the child, a hug, and the words I love you.
7) Discipline needs to go to the heart of the child. Think about the wrong behavior and root of that sin–deal with that. Examples of some root sins are pride, greed, and selfishness.
8) Two signals that discipline has worked with your child:
1) Shoulders should be relaxed and facial expressions gentle.
2) When given one command, the child does it with submission. For example: “now give me a hug” or “now go clean up your toys.” If a submissive attitude is not present, start the whole discipline process over. You are training the heart of the child, not just punishing bad behavior.
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About Rhonda Ellis
Rhonda Ellis is a wife of 29 years, a homeschooling mom to 6, a blogger, writer, speaker. Her passion is mentoring women in ways that impact hearts and homes for Christ. Grab a cup of coffee or a Diet Coke (water is allowed these days too) and be a "back porch" friend with her.Come read her blog at cultivatingahome.com. It's a great place to laugh, cry, share friendships and transparent hearts while sharing deep conversations about our journey with the Lord. You can also join her facebook page: www.facebook.com/TheRhondaEllis
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