Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Psalm 127:3-4 NKJV

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
    the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
    are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
    with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;
    you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.
Psalm 127:3-5 The Message

1. Look Inside

Who Does The Bible Say You Are?

Created In God’s Image (Genesis 1:27)
Fearfully And Wonderfully Made (Psalms 139:14)
Loved Unconditionally (Romans 8:38-39)
Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
Filled With The Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16)
More Than A Conqueror (Romans 8:37)
Free From Condemnation (Romans 8:1)
Strong In The Lord (Ephesians 6:10)

We’re In Process. You Can Only Give What You Already Have.

Kids Watch You WAY MORE Than They Listen To You.

Show Your Kids How To Love God
Read The Bible In Front Of Them
Pray Together
Listen To Worship Music Together
Set An Atmosphere Where The Things Of God Are Welcomed, Comfortable And Normal

Own Your Mistakes, Apologize, And Forgive

2. Train And Equip

Practice What You Preach. More Is Caught Than Taught.

Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

What Godly Character Are You Supposed To Model As A Parent?

But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22 Amplified Version

Discipline And Establishing Boundaries Is Important.

A Child’s Two Primary Needs Are For SIGNIFICANCE AND SECURITY. The Two Most Important Questions In A Child’s Heart Are 1. Do You Love Me? 2. Where are the boundaries?

Reuben Hill-Minnesota Report Diagram

The balance of love and discipline:
“Everyone knows who the boss is but there’s also a connection between parents and kids, a consideration that respects and honors who the child is while not compromising their disciplinary needs.”

-Focus on the Family

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1-4 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV

Grace produces gratitude toward God and love towards others. Parents, help your child to realize that FAILURE is never final with God.

Know What parenting season you are in
Age 0-4/5 (Commander)
Age 6/7-10 (Instructor)
Age 11/12-15 (Coach)
Age 16+ (Consultant)

3. Relational Health

8 Keys to Build Healthy Relationships in the Home
Unconditional Love
Scheduled time
Focused attention
Sacrifice
Eye Contact
Ongoing communication
Meaningful touch
Have fun together
Pray together often

4. Create Culture

What are we going to value the most? “Where family identity is strong, peer pressure is weak.”

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
But happy is he who keeps the law.
Proverbs 29:18 NKJV

1. Look Inside
2. Train And Equip
3. 3. Relational Health
4. 4. Create Culture