Today, I heard about 10 minutes of an interview with the author of a parenting book. The book was “Parenting is a Contact Sport – 8 Ways to Stay Connected to Your Child.” I was intrigued by what was shared – (for the 10 minutes I heard) – Much of a child’s behavior is related to the connection between parent and child. I thought of Josh McDowell’s often quoted statement, “Rules with out relationship, equals rebellion.” I also thought of a conversation earlier today with a friend who said how incredible helpful the book “Have a New Kid By Friday,” had been to her.
I think we can gain so much from reading different parenting books. Depending on what we are dealing with something help better than others. I thank God for the amazing number of resources we have available to us to help us in this parenting journey. My mother often reminds me that she had none of this available to her when I was a child. We are blessed indeed!
I recently read a great tip with something I had been struggling with. My daughters have not made it a priority to read their Bible in the morning. I occassionally asked them if they had read, but wasn’t sure how I should approach this. I read in a parenting book that this parent would occassionally reward their child, if they had been regularly reading their Bible with a gift of another resources to encourage their relationship with Christ. That’s it! I thought. After talking with my husband, we announced at dinner that we would occassionally reward regular Bible reading with a gift of their choosing such as a book devotional, study guide etc. Since our son had been doing this, we said he could choose one now. We didn’t mention that our daughters hadn’t, just that our son had.
A few minutes later one of our daughters asked if they could get a “Chosen Girls” book if they were reading their Bible. Yes! Thank you Lord for direction in parenting!!
I also determined that I do need to regularly ask or see if my daughters have read their Bible. I decided they need to know that I think it’s important enough to ask them regularly. Afterall, I ask them about their homework on a regular basis!
We are a mom’s group ministry of Ginger Creek Community Church in Aurora, IL. Our mission is to create a support system for women in the profession of motherhood. To educate and challenge them as wife, mother, and home manager while providing a safe place where they are valued and encouraged through a growing relationship with Christ. We hope this blog will extend some of this ministry to you.
