1. See love and respect as basic family needs.
2. Stop the Family Crazy Cycle.
3. Parent in six, biblical ways that will energize your children.
4. Discipline defiance and overlook childishness.
5. Be the mature one, since parenting is for adults only.
6. Work as a team, according to the gender of the children.
7. Be a loving parent in God’s eyes, regardless of a child’s response.
Parents desire respect. It’s built into us by design.
“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” —Exodus 20:12
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. —Colossians 3:20
Children need love. It’s built into us by design.
If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. —1 Corinthians 13:3-7
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN WE FIND OURSELF IN THE FAMILY CRAZY CYCLE
1. Is my child feeling unloved?
2. Am I feeling disrespected?
3. How will I parent God’s way regardless?
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, strengthen me to parent in a way that honors Jesus.
“Those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” —John 4:14
The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. —Galatians 5:22-23
Mother-Son Relationship:
He needs her respect.
Father-Daughter Relationship:
She needs his love.
More Resources
loveandrespect.com/parenting
Discussion Questions
1. “Children are to be seen and not heard.” What message does that cliché send kids?
2. Scriptures tell us to “be worthy of respect.” What kinds of behavior might discourage kids from respecting their parents?
3. As adults responsible for the moral foundation of their children, parents are called to discipline their kids. How can adults reinforce both love and moral discipline as they parent?