Of all the parenting specialists, naturally awesome parents I’ve stalked, and my personal experiences teaching and being a mom, these seem to be some common reoccurring themes.

1. REWARD POSITIVE BEHAVIOR ABUNDANTLY AND CONSISTENTLY-

It will become like a full-time job, so make sure you have lots of ideas in mind (If u r planning on the pool- don’t tell them until you see great behavior, then brag about how impressed you are and want to surprise them).  It’s also essential to discover their love language and use it to your advantage here.

The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively

2. ZERO (I REPEAT, ZERO) TOLERANCE ON DISOBEDIENCE OR DISRESPECT-

If they are old enough to know better, find memorable consequences and continue to repeat until the behavior stops (could be days… you just have to win each and every battle- again a full-time job); you don’t need to scream or even get upset, but if they don’t cry or become upset by your consequence, they will likely forget it and repeat same offense before you have time to come up with another one, which could be something you weren’t looking forward to anyways (“Oh no, now we can’t go to pool!”); please try to break habits of coaching, threatening, repeating, warning, bribing, questioning, and bargaining- which tend to give the child authority; avoid giving instructions that you don’t intend for them to obey immediately and you aren’t willing to give a consequence for disobeying.  Explain that when your children obey authority, it will actually set them up to easily obey God.  

3. FIND AT LEAST 5 MINUTES EACH DAY TO SNUGGLE/CHAT/PRAY TOGETHER –

We usually play high-low to discuss things on their heart and offer suggestions and empathy; discuss that you are so tough on them because you love them, know they are capable of more, and you want them to succeed in life; ensure they understand that while you do not love their misbehavior, there is NOTHING they can do to affect how much you love them; have at least one date a month written on the calendar and let them hear you deny other plans because of your very important date.  If you feel overwhelmed by yet another thing to add to your calendar, I getcha! Hopefully, “Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That” will encourage you to give yourself more grace and keep pushing on.

4. MAKE IT OBVIOUS THAT GOD IS THE CENTER OF YOUR HOUSE AND DECISIONS –

Children learn best by example. Whether it’s deciding if you have enough money to go on a vacation, which consequence to give, or how to respond to a nasty email from a neighbor, please allow your kiddoes to witness you praying about it and verbalizing what the bible has to say about your decision. They are more likely to have security in these situations, after witnessing successes in your life. An added bonus is that they are likely to have more confidence.

Funlaugh Sayings Wall Decal Proverbs 22:6 Train Up A Child in The Way He Should Go Church Nursery Arrow Art Nursery Bible Verse 16 inch X 31 inch Vinyl Wall Sticker

5. RECOGNIZE THE THREE DANGEROUS “S-WORDS”-

NOT ENOUGH QUALITY SLEEP AND/OR TOO MUCH SUGAR AND SCREENS WILL AFFECT THEIR BEHAVIOR-I’ve even noticed differences after crackers and yogurt! 😩 There is plenty of science coming out to prove what these three things are doing to their developing minds. Please be cautious in these areas. You should notice improvement with slight adjustments.

*For those of you that dream of your child sleeping through the night, PLEASE read this book! It worked for all 3 of ours and so many friends that have tried.

On Becoming Babywise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep “2019 edition”- Interactive Support

Looking for some cute mom gear? Here are a few of my faves:

6. IS IT OBVIOUS THAT YOUR PRIORITIES ARE GOD, THEN MARRIAGE, THEN CHILDREN?

I have witnessed so many good-intended parents allowing their children to make decisions for the entire family.  I believe it’s appropriate and important to ask their opinion; however, asking for trouble when they feel the entitlement that you will likely follow through on many of their commands. They are no longer considered “wishes” if your child expects you to comply.  If you asked your child whether you “obey” them, your spouse, or God more frequently.  Be prepared for the truth!  Sometimes, the truth hurts!  Luckily, you can say “yes” without them feeling in charge.

Primitives by Kathy Pinstripe Trimmed Box Sign, 5 x 4-Inches, Jesus & Germs

 

☆Parenting is EXTREMELY difficult and exhausting

Even if you take easy way out. Kids appear sweet and innocent if they always get their way. However, true parenting requires you to take the tougher path! It will be worth it in the long run. You can be intentional on the days you have the energy, so that they have a solid foundation when you need a few days off!  If anyone made it this far, I pray you found something helpful!  

THIS IS OBVIOUSLY ONE OF MY FAVORITE TOPICS TO RESEARCH, SO IF YOU’D LIKE TO SUBSCRIBE TO FBI MOMMA NEWSLETTER, I WILL SEND YOU A FREE PRINTABLE PARENTING CHECKLIST.

 

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