I trust that you, as a parent, are excited to have your student(s) home for the summer. It will be a great time for your family if you plan and prepare ahead of time. You do not want to waste these months with your children and look back with regret, having failed to make any memories.

I would like to emphasize to you the importance of having both structure and schedule in your home during these lazy, hazy days of summer. For those of you who have had students graduate, let me remind you that you never stop being a parent. No matter what age they are, what age you are, or how close or far away you are from each other, you never stop caring about your child’s well being! As your children become adults, the decisions they face carry even greater consequences.

Let me give you a few suggestions that might be a help to you during these summer months:

  1. If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders. Give your children some work to do this summer, and do not let them play all day long.
  2. Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children. What will your children remember about the summer of 2020?
  3. Children have more need of models than of critics.
  4. Children need love especially when they do not deserve it!
  5. To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself once in a while.
  6. Don’t disapprove of what your child is—disapprove of what he does.
  7. Give attention and praise for good behavior, not bad behavior.
  8. Correction should be swift, reasonable, and related to the offense.
  9. Be honest.
  10. Don’t expect your children to demonstrate more self-control than you do.
  11. The most important factor in your child’s self-image is his relationship with you as the parent.
  12. Teach your children how to work this summer.
  13. Take time to play with your children. Plan that vacation, and have days filled with fun and laughter!
  14. Children should have responsibilities during these summer months. Too much time in front of the TV or playing video games is a waste of time!
  15. Let your daughters plan and prepare an evening meal once a week this summer.
  16. Teach your sons how to mow the yard, wash the car, and do little odd jobs around the house. Their future wife will be one happy camper if you will!
  17. Make home a spiritual place this summer. A spiritual inheritance is a legacy of good character, integrity, love, a good name, freedom from bondage, and blessings from God.
  18. Pray for the heart of your child to have discernment and desire godly wisdom.
  19. Make your home a haven. Home should be one of the safest, calmest places on earth.
  20. If any of you lack wisdom, “ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally.” (James 1:5)

Have a great summer with your children! It is my prayer that God bless you and help you to have success as you raise your precious children for Him.

God bless!
Mrs. T

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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.