Lately, over the last few years of parenting, I’ve found this new love for reading! I’ve been gathering, buying and borrowing great books on parenting and child rearing. I love what I’m soaking up and applying ….. it’s so exciting.
One of the topics that has been coming up lately in a few of my books, is the issue of our children obeying RIGHT AWAY. This is something I have always (and still do) want to pursue daily in my children. It’s one of the most important things a child can learn and do….. responding to a parents voice right away.
I look around sometimes and I cringe, as well as want to cry at the way some children respond to their parents. Not acceptable in my books.
I was reading my newest book “Family Driven Faith” (more on this book on Friday’s post) and there was a great section where the author addressed this issue. He stated the importance of it because it’s biblical.
‘Children obey your parents in the lord, for this is right
Honor your mother and father so that it may be well with you,
and that you may live long on the earth.’ Eph 6:1-3
As you see, when children obey right away, it also teaches them about honor, and also to mention respect!.
A great example of this would be when a parent starts to ‘count’ to their child in order for them to obey. ” OK Junior, I’m not going to ask you again! by the time I count to 5, you better come hold my hand. One….Two…..” And you know how the rest goes. This teaches our children that they don’t have to obey right away, but that they have at least until the number you’re counting to, to obey. If they choose to obey at all!.
This example shows that the parent had already asked the child to do something, with NO response, AND THEN started counting for the child to do it!. This just teaches kids ‘delayed obedience’ rather than instant obedience.
So, not only does training your children to obey right away produce in them respect, it’s a command from God!
Here are some easy things you can do to train your child in instant obedience. Remember, keep on persevering! the hard work it takes to train them now will reap the rewards when your children obey you the FIRST time!.
- Say it ONCE, and if they don’t obey, they get a consequence
- Talk in a calm soft voice (yelling never gets you anywhere)
- Get down to their level
- Be consistent!!
- Let your children know and see that you are in control (they NEED to know this)
- Pull the child aside and gently talk to them about
- Love them greatly and listen to them!
Combine being consistent with these, and allowing your child to succeed in the task, will lead you to success. Along with a TON of love!
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A lovely timely reminder for me. :o) It’s always an encouragement to hear these things when we are in the midst of the application. It’s like having a cheering squad on the side cheering us on. Thank you. :o)
Hi Kaitlyn, I have a two year old and so am learning how to get him to be obedient! Love this article have discovered that yelling doesnt get me anywhere with him recently! 🙂 Thank you for sharing this.
needed this today, thanks Kait!
We were good about this in the past,but have let it slip lately. A great reminder!
I found this easier when my children were a bit younger (they are only 4 and 3 now). Now that their brains are growing, their first reaction is to ask ‘Why?’ when I tell them to do something. I understand that they are learning, but I’ve been telling them that their first response should be ‘Yes mom’ and then they are free to ask why after I see their obedient spirit. It’s tough stuff to stay consistent on!