Today's Scripture
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." - (Proverbs 22:6 NIV)
Today's Thought
Today's scripture tells us to start children off on the way they should go. Training and discipline of your infant begin at birth.
With time, you will learn to distinguish his various cries. A cry of pain is vastly different from a cry of hunger or boredom. You may not respond as quickly to a cry of boredom, but if his crying increases, you should investigate. Boredom can be alleviated with brief times of play or simply by moving the baby to a new location.
Discipline begins with knowing your child and then responding to his needs--teaching him how to live.
Consider this …
Just as you learn to respond to various cries, your baby will learn to distinguish the different sounds of your voice as you respond to him. A firm no is usually uttered in a different tone from the one you use to sing and cuddle your little one.
Begin the habit of consistent church attendance. Place your baby in the nursery or carry him into the sanctuary. He will begin to accept church attendance as a regular part of his life.
God, our heavenly Father, should be our role model for parenting.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. (Psalm 32:8 NIV)
Just as He teaches us and lovingly guides us, we need to do the same for our children from the time they are born. What a privilege--and what a responsibility. But we are not alone--and we can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13).
Prayer
Father, I understand this first year of my baby's life is such a formative one. I thank you for lovingly teaching and guiding me. Help me do that for my child. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …
Godly Parenting: Parenting Skills at Each Stage of Growth by N. Elizabeth Holland, M.D. This study addresses parenting skills from the time of conception until the child has reached adulthood. It suggests methods for raising healthy, godly children in an increasingly secular society. Specific emphasis is placed on communication and teaching skills, discipline, protection and sexual issues at each age. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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