Posturing for Summer
I have been thinking a lot about how God desires our obedience. There are many times we don’t
understand God’s requirement of us, or that it doesn’t fit our rationale; however, this is what we do
know: His love for us is perfect, and He is worthy of our complete trust and therefore, our obedience.
Whenever I doubt a little, I look to the cross.
As we acknowledge this truth of “Trust and Obey” as the old hymn goes, there is a beautiful parallel to us trusting and obeying the Lord, and our children trusting and obeying us, their parents. The third
stanza says this: “But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay; for the
favor He shows, and the joy He bestows are for them who will trust and obey.”
Children are most joyful when they obey their parents. Ephesians 6:1-3 says, “Children, obey your
parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment
with a promise): so that it may go well with you (child), and that you (child) may live long on the
earth.” Share this verse with your children and quote: “Obedience brings joy and blessing.”
When a child does not obey, a child will not have a happy day! When a child obeys, a child will have a happy day! Teach this truth to your child.
Here are a few tips as you posture for summer.
1. Conduct yourself with confidence; be the one in charge. There will be times when your child
doesn’t like you; that is okay. You know where you are going with your directive, your plan. AND
you are always acting in the best interest of your child. Be the authority, not the friend.
2. When giving directives, offer few words. “Put on your shoes.” “It’s now time for you to______.”
Do not ask; do not make your directive into a question. No, no! Use a tone of voice that is
assured and that expects results. Have you ever noticed what we call a teacher voice or tone?
My husband used to accuse me of bringing that voice home from school. Good for children, not
for hubs!
3. John Rosemond says offer no explanation for the reasoning of doing this or that. “Because I said
so” is all he offers. Whether or not you agree, here is what I want for you: Do not engage in a
lengthy conversation of explaining WHY your child should do something. Explanations bring
about arguments. Perhaps substitute this if you don’t like because I said so: “Mama knows
best.” And you do! “Daddy knows best!” And he does!
4. Now here is the key: After the directive, turn and briskly walk away. When you stay, you give a
platform for arguing.
5. Train your child for obedience. Be firm, sure-footed, expectant. Mama and Daddy do know best!
Another summer note—
On the Redeemer website, www.reedemerdayschool.org there is a tab marked ‘Parent Mentoring.’ Click on that and scroll down to Recommended Parenting Resources, Family Worship Resources, Summer Resources, and How to Potty Train by Miss Page (excellent!). The Summer Resources tab will give you helpful ideas for these upcoming lazy days.
For those of you moving on, I will miss your friendly faces in carpool! Looking forward to reconnecting with those of you returning! May the Lord bless and keep you and your family in His loving care.
If you would like to reach out to Jeannie, you may email her at jbrostrand@redeemerdayschool.org.