Train Your Children
PROVERBS 22:6 ESV
6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
God’s plan is that children be a great blessing in a family. Sadly, in many homes, the children are holy terrors, exasperating and exhausting their parents. In every case, it is the fault of the parent(s).
All young children act exactly as they have been trained by their parents (or other care givers). As they get older children have additional influences that may affect their behavior, such as peers, television, teachers, etc.
Children are smart and train easily. They are much smarter than a cow or a horse or a dog, who all can be successfully trained to behave.
Every parent, without exception, trains their children. A few train them properly — in the way they should go. But all parents train.
If you have young children now in your home, they are acting exactly as you have trained them to act by your past actions.
If you allow your children to disrespect or disobey you, that is your choice. Don’t blame your children. They are just doing what they have been trained to do.
Most parents tell their children to do right, but few seem to consistently train their children to actually do right. Training is much more than teaching, for it requires that the desired action be done over and over, until acting right becomes a habit.
Don’t be deceived into thinking that letting children have their own way will promote peace — yours or theirs. No peace will be found in a home where the instruction of the Lord is not followed.
ISAIAH 54:13 NLT
13 I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace.
Children do not know what is best for them. That is why God gave them parents who are responsible for training them correctly.
But if you did not achieve perfection in this area, God will still help you and your children. This is not meant to condemn, but to encourage. If your children are grown, just keep on loving them and praying for them.