Pastor A

Please do not expect perfection from your children; they are not perfect. Your children will not always make perfect grades or perfect decisions. Always implore your children to do their best and you help them do their best. Here is a short list of practical advice that can make your home a much happier place:

1. If you have little bitty children, sit on the floor a lot. Communicate at their level. Even today with the children at our church, I will get down on one knee so that I can look at them eyeball to eyeball. It makes a difference.
2. Take your children to a Bible teaching/preaching church that does not sugarcoat but actually teaches and preaches. I know of one in Tucson if you need help. HOWEVER… if you are going to take your children to church, make sure you live the same at home as you present yourself at church. We are losing too many children due to the hypocritical influences of the parent’s double-standard living.
3. Teach your children about money… how to earn it, save it, invest it, spend it, and give it away.
4. Hug more; nag less.
5. Show your children affection even after they think they are too big for it.
6. Never lie to your children and never tolerate any lies from them.
7. Encourage your children to develop their own uniqueness. Do not mold their personalities. Let the personality that God created them to be flourish.
8. Do not make a donkey of yourself at their sporting events.
9. Allow your children to make their own mistakes and to suffer the consequences. The lesson is in the consequences.
10. Your children need love more than stuff.

Bonus: Your children’s teacher, youth pastor, boss, or authority is most likely telling you the truth. Don’t be so quick to come to the fierce defense of your “perfect angelic” child!