Ten Commandments to Guide Parents

Dr. Leman read these 10 Commandments to Guide Parents this morning on the video and I thought they were worth posting:

1.My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely. Don't restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there. I`m only little for a short time-please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs. Don't nag me all day long. (You wouldn`t want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I`ll be prepared to make the kinds of decisions life requires of me.

8. Please don't do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn`t quite measure up to your expectations. I know it`s hard, but please don`t try to compare me with my brother or my sister.

9. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it`s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

10. Please take me to Sunday school and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.

Dr. Kevin Leman

Recap of Session 3: Discipline Isn't Spelled P-U-N-I-S-H-M-E-N-T

Here are Dr. Leman's key points from Sunday's (2/10) class:

Key Scripture: If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don't love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them." Proverbs 13:24

Key Points:
1. Consider discipline a privilege not a chore.  What could be better than having the opportunity to to give your kids direction, teach them a valuable lesson that can help them avoid some long range disaster, or that will contribute to their character development.

2. Keep the highest form of discipline your goal: self-discipline. As soon as possible, encourage them to set their alarm clocks, get up on time, dress themselves, be at the table on time, feed the fish, do their homework, etc... Don't sidetrack them on the road to independence by doing everything for them.

3.  Use discipline to enable. Doing too much and giving too much to kids does not enable them, it disables them.

4.  Use discipline for correction. With discipline, you emphasize the positive lessons to be learned along with corrective measures to help the child learn, without attacking or belittling them.

Another point that really stuck with me: if my child doesn't feel safe and accepted in our home, they will look for that acceptance in their peer group -- therefore, I must handle discipline in a way that allows my child to feel safe, accepted and loved.  Also, families need to have fun!

What did you take away from the lesson?  If you use any of these this week, please share!