Parenting Tip # 1
A first step in effective parenting is to “begin with the end in mind”—by developing a vision for what you want your children to become. Make a list of character qualities that you would like to see developed in your child.
Raising Children Of Faith: Study Guide
Copyright 2002 by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Group Publishing, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 10
Adolescents need parental guidance more than ever as they face pressure from peers and difficult choices. Set aside a regular weekly time when you can get together with your adolescent to talk, share, and listen.Raising Children Of Faith: Study Guide
Copyright 2002 by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Group Publishing, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 100
Memorize Scripture as a family on a regular basis. It’s a great way to help your children “treasure God’s Word in their hearts” (Psalm 109:11).Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 101
Read the Bible at mealtime. What a great way to serve your family spiritual food!Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 102
Watch and discuss Christian videos as a family. This form of entertainment is not only wholesome it will stimulate questions about the Bible and spiritual topics.Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 103
Enlist your child (or teen) in an age-appropriate Bible study.Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 104
Display Scripture in your house (literally write out Scripture passages and hang them throughout the house. This idea originates in the challenge issued to parents in Deuteronomy to always keep the words of truth everywhere — “on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Hint: You can tape a special Bible verse for each child on the mirror of his bathroom, use Scripture screen savers on your computer, or buy Scripture posters for instance. Be creative!Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 105
Watch for opportunities to teach and apply Scripture in everyday circumstances. Sibling rivalry, for instance, offers a chance to teach what the Bible says about forgiveness.
Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 106
Teach your children to fear (revere) God (Proverbs 1:7).Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 107
Teach your children to love God with all their heart (Matthew 22:37).Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 108
Challenge your children to be involved in accomplishing the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20).Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 109
Choose a night in the next two weeks when you and your mate can sit down and create a priority list of values that you would like to instill in the lives of your children. Hint: For fun, and if feasible plan a weekend get-away to do this and to pray together for your children.Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 11
Rules without relationship can lead to rebellion in a child. A relationship without rules can lead to permissiveness and lack of discipline. Make sure that as you work to establish rules and guidelines for your child, that you are also working to build a strong relationship by talking with him, spending time with him, and by encouraging and supporting him.Raising Children Of Faith: Study Guide
Copyright 2002 by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Group Publishing, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 110
Go on a short-term mission trip with your older children. (Check with your local church for mission trip opportunities.) It’s a great way to teach them how to look at the world through the eyes of Jesus Christ and to refine their values.Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 111
Create a missionary experience for your children in your own hometown. You can volunteer to serve a meal in a downtown church soup kitchen, or offer to clean up the yard of an elderly woman in your neighborhood, for instance.Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 112
Attend a family camp or conference. These special events can help to “grow” your family and challenge your children to become true followers of Christ. (For information, visit www.studentventure.org or call 1- 800-699-4678.)Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 113
If your children are old enough, talk with them about the evil that surrounds us (media pollution, pornography, hyper-materialism, sinful temptations, negative peer pressure, violence and so on), and teach them how they can face evil with confidence by putting on the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18). Begin by teaching them to pray.Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 114
Worship is key in family life. Be sure to attend church as a family, and continue to worship in your heart at home after the service.Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 115
Enjoy time together as a family. Spending a few hours in God’s creation (hiking, fishing, playing at a park) can be a wonderful way of keeping relationships fresh in a busy family.Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 116
You are the most valuable gift you can give your children.Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 117
Make dating your child a regular practice. It’s a great way to have fun with them, catch up on how they’re doing, and to stay connected.Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 118
Children often “see God” when they look at their parents. When we model qualities of our Father in Heaven by allowing the love of Jesus Christ to flow through us and into our children, we’re succeeding as parents.Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 119
Teenagers need parents who will love them and speak the truth to them. They know you care for them, when you are there for them.Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 12
One of the best places in the Bible to observe the role of a parent is the book of Proverbs. Set aside 15 minutes for the next 31 days to read one Proverb each day.Raising Children Of Faith: Study Guide
Copyright 2002 by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Group Publishing, Inc.
Parenting Tip # 120
Arrange your schedule so that you can spend an hour or more of uninterrupted time with each of your children during the next week. And when you’re together, take note of the wonderful look of joy you’ll discover in your child’s face.Growing a Spiritually Strong Family
Copyright 2002, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used by permission of Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
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