Of all the joys in life, parenting is undoubtedly at the top of the list. It’s more than changing diapers, 2 AM feedings, nap times, toys, spit-up, and Mr. Rogers. It’s about taking the little life given to you by God and raising it, shaping and molding it, and watching it develop into what God would have that child to be. There is more to parenting than schedules, meals, school, homework, sports, emotional issues, spats with siblings, hurt feelings on the playground, book reports, drivers’ permits, drivers’ licenses, banquets, graduation, and college. Parenting is about directing that little life to God; after all, He created this life in the first place. It takes a mom and dad with unconditional love for one another and unconditional, unselfish love for the child. It is an awesome and sometimes tiring responsibility, but the rewards are so worthwhile.

A lesson Pastor Trieber and I taught a while back entitled “Raising Well-Balanced Children” is below. I trust it will be a help to you.

1. Be Normal.

 Do not develop nutty ideas like: 

  • Children cannot attend Sunday school.
  • Children can only stay with their parents.

While giving instruction and discipline and teaching character and responsibility is vitally important, don’t forget to let children have fun once in a while! Mrs. Marlene Evans said, “If it’s not wrong, wicked, or against the Bible, leave it alone.”

2. Establish limited rules.

  • Our Lord gave us ten commandments. Don’t constantly create new rules.

3. Raise your children from a heart of love.

  • Don’t rule with an iron fist, but from a heart full of love (Titus 2:2-4).
  • Provoke not your children to wrath (Ephesians 6:4). In other words, do not discourage them.

4. Expect Obedience.

(Children need to learn to obey the first time every time)

  • Do not beg for it.
  • Do not whine for it.
  • Do no negotiate for it (establish right away who is in charge).

5. Be responsible to teach.

  • Ephesians 6:4 says we are to nurture and discipline our children in the admonition of the Lord. This is training by actions.
  • Teach consequences (there are consequences for doing wrong).
  • Help them read character in others.

6. Be a happy camper.

  • Children must NOT be reared in tension.
  • Stay calm.
  • Be a Spirit-filled parent.

7. Let your children see Christ in you.

  • Dad—what they see in you will be their view of the heavenly Father.

8. Listen more than you lecture.

9. Help your child find his or her future.

  • When they are small, do not worry about them wanting to be a “professional baseball player.” They will jump from one profession to the other.
  • When they are older, guide them into a conversation about their future (don’t give answers, ask questions).

10. Set a good example.

  • Do as I do—not as I say.
  • “Who you are speaks so loudly, I can’t hear what you’re saying.”

We have our children in our homes for such a short time. It is a season. Enjoy it to the fullest.

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” – Joshua 1:8

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Cindie Trieber

Cindie Trieber, Pastor’s Wife

Born into a pastor’s home in Rockford, Illinois, Cindie (Swanson) Trieber has been in or around the Gospel ministry her entire life. She was married to Jack Trieber in 1972. For over 45 years of ministry, Mrs. Trieber has served in almost every capacity imaginable. Currently, the Triebers have three children and thirteen grandchildren.