To parent a child remains one of the greatest responsibilities given to mankind. However, in your journey of raising your child, there are important things you should not do as a parent.
While the world continues to model and reflect its standards for parenting, God remains your greatest model in your parenting journey- his word being the true standard for raising your child.
Your child is not just a child, but a priceless gift from God with great potential to influence a generation. So there are things you should do to guide your child towards his God ordained path in your journey as a parent.
And there are also important things you should not do as a parent raising children.
What does God’s word say?
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with loving kindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 AMP
“Fathers, don’t exasperate your children, but raise them up with loving discipline and counsel that brings the revelation of our Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 TPT.
“Parents, don’t be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:4 CEV
The bible uses many words here to tell you some important things not to do as a parent, especially when it comes to parenting and raising your child.
God is a father who loves you selflessly, protects you fiercely and gives to you unconditionally. Moreover, his love for you remains constant irrespective of your flaws and inadequacies. This is what true parenting really looks like.
You are not given this role as a parent to provoke, humiliate and abuse your children. In fact, God’s word shows you in clear terms many things you should not do as a parent raising children.
7 THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT DO AS A PARENT.
1. Do not provoke your children to anger.
2. Do not place unreasonable demands on your children.
3. Do not humiliate/embarrass your children.
4. Do not be abusive in your words and actions towards your children.
5. Do not show favoritism amongst your children.
6. Do not be indifferent when it comes to raising your children.
7. Do not be hard on your children.
However, just because God’s word never leaves you lost about the right things to do – there are also important things you can start to do in your parenting journey. God’s word also shows you some of those things you can do as a parent.
1. Bring your children up with loving kindness in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
2. Raise your children with loving discipline and counsel that brings revelation.
3.Teach and instruct your children about the Lord.
You can see that some words stand out in all of these instructions. Some of which are TEACH, INSTRUCT, LOVING DISCIPLINE, COUNSEL and LOVING KINDNESS.
If There are Important Things You Should Not Do As a Parent, What Are Those Things That You Can Do as A Parent?
Firstly, you must make it a priority to teach your children about God and their true identity in him.
Secondly, be intentional and instruct your child about the value of making good choices and wise decisions. And also show and teach them why they must always choose good over evil.
Thirdly, counsel your child about the importance imbibing good values – while sharing with them worthy stories and life lessons that they will always remember.
Lastly, correct your child in love as you model Christ to him. And teach him about the actions and decisions you take as a person and the resultant consequences that can follow.
But you must always remember that as God’s children, you have the holy spirit in you. And he can teach you the right things to do in your parenting journey. Most importantly, he can give you the right tools, ideas and strategies to help you raise and guide your children in the right path towards becoming all that he wants him to to be.
Will you take a worthy note today of some of those important things you should not do as you raise your children?
Let us pray,
Lord, help me to do those things that I should do in my parenting journey. Teach me to see things the way you see them. Help me Lord not to provoke and overwhelm my child with my words and actions.
Give me the right tools, ideas and strategies to raise my children right. Help me to lead them into your ordained path for their lives. Amen!!!
