TTS

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way that he should go; when he is old he will not depart from it.” This verse of the bible sounds like a promise but it is not. The original context reveals that it is a warning to parents that if they allow their children to have their own way, they will not depart from that foolishness when they are older.

Parents are like guiding angels to their children especially when they are still very young. Little things can children do on their own because at that age, they lack so many things and they really need the support of their parents to survive. It is a big responsibility on the part of the parents. I remember when I was still young, something around age 14, my mother was still the one washing most of my cloth. Not that I can’t wash it but she didn’t trust me hundred percent that I can wash it clean. Secondly, she was preparing me ahead of time on how to wash cloth and make them clean.

The statement that, training begins at home is completely correct. Training children aims to improve their capacity, capability, performance, or productivity and it has nothing to do with whether the parents are rich or poor.

HOW PARENTS SHOULD TRAIN THEIR CHILDREN?

Teach them how to love by loving them unconditionally

Parents, just as our children learn by example, so do we. When it comes to loving our children, we should love unconditionally as God loves us unconditionally. What does this look like in practice though? It is loving your child with no strings attached. “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” 1 John 4:16

There is nothing they can do to lose your love. This doesn’t mean you do not discipline your child, but it does mean you do not withhold your love because of something they did or said. 

With your child knows you have this unconditional love for them, it forges trust between you and them. That trust allows you to have a good relationship with your kids and allows them to feel safe and loved in your household. 

Teach them to be respectful

There is a difference between obedience and respect. It is easy to get children to obey, but they may do it without respect. However, if you can teach your child to respect you, others and themselves, then teaching them to obey is much simpler. When a child respects a parent then they will obey out of love instead of obligation.

Ephesians 6:1-3 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”

God promises long life to those who both obey and honor (respect) their parents.

Help them serve others

Raising your children in a godly way includes helping them serve others. In Matthew 5:42, the Bible calls us to, “Give to those who ask of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” We are also called to care for the poor, sick, and needy, not sit at home away from the masses. 

These are the values and principles that need to be passed on to our children. Take your child to serving opportunities like working in a soup kitchen, cleaning up after a parade, or even helping your neighbor with a task. This helps your children learn how Jesus lived, and the importance of helping others. 

Be thankful for what you have

Teaching children an attitude of gratitude requires helping them to look at their situations from a point of appreciation rather than from a deficit. Psalm 9:1 says “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

Children model their parents in every way, so parents should ensure they always show their appreciation to God and the people around them. Also, using the word "please" and "thank you" when they talk to their children.

Honesty is the best policy

The meaning of this is that even if one finds lying an easier option, telling the truth is the best course of action. The word of God puts light on the importance of genuineness and integrity in an individual’s life. An honest person is always more courageous and confident than a dishonest person.

“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” 2 Corinthians 8:21.

 Pray with them

Teach your children how to pray by praying with them. Sit down with them every day, and pray with them about their lives and your loved ones’ lives. Pray favor over them in their lives, and that God will show His love to your children every day. Including your children in these prayers can help them learn about God’s nature.

In conclusion, raising godly children is a bit more complicated than disciplining them. Parents are called to train and love their children, listen to them, show them right and wrong, and lead them in their walk with Christ by example.