Perfecting Our Parenting

Focus on Family

FoundationsProverbs

Thesis:• In spite of the change and turmoil families go

through, if Bible principles govern your

roles and responsibilities then a dynamic

household can be built out of desperate hours.

Point 1.

• God cares about every Christian perfecting his or her family in the faith.

Point 2.

•Perfection is possible for imperfect people because our perfect God has given us a perfect word that the Holy Spirit can take and use to radically transform us into a perfect image—Christ.

Point 3.•A dynamic family has to

be a fortress and not a façade, because God

wants us to build families that can

withstand the attacks of the enemy.

Clues to Successful Parenting

1. A strong sense of consecration

Clues to Successful Parenting

1. A strong sense of consecration

A. Tell them we will value each other

and stay together for a lifetime

Point 4.•Since they are consecrated

to God, that seals their commitment to one another.

1. A strong sense of consecration

B. Remind them frequently they

are a blessing and not a

burden.

Point 5.

• You didn’t come to your parents; you came through your parents.

1. A strong sense of consecration

C. Assure them they are loved unconditionally

Point 6.

• Do your children know they have unconditional affection even though you cannot give them unconditional approval?

Point 7.

•Nothing will alienate a child or a spouse more than making them work for something that ought to be free.

Point 8.

• If you want a better child, be a better parent!

Point 9.

•You need to receive your child (or your spouse) even when you are displeased with your child, because that is what consecration looks like.

Clues to Successful Parenting1. A strong sense of

consecration2. A strong sense of

communion

Five Magical Moments

A. Part on a positive noteB. Reconnect at the end of the

dayC. Go to bed with a good

attitudeD. Show appreciation by giving

complimentsE. Set aside “date time”

Clues to Successful Parenting

1. A strong sense of consecration

2. A strong sense of communion

3. A strong set of communication skills

3. A strong set of communication skills

A. Be a good listener

Five Musts of Intentional Listening

1. I must listen with a purpose

2. I must practice listening for understanding, rather than criticism

Five Musts of Intentional Listening

3. I must be aware of words and behaviors that make me defensive; and exercise emotional control even though I disagree

Five Musts of Intentional Listening

4. I must concentrate on what they are saying

5. I must recognize that listening may be the key to my success

3. A strong set of communication skills

A. Be a good listenerB. Cut off the “Four

Horsemen of the Apocalypse”

3. A strong set of communication skills

A. Be a good listenerB. Cut off the “Four Horsemen

of the Apocalypse”1. Criticism2. Contempt3. Defensiveness4. Stonewalling

Clues to Successful Parenting

1. A strong sense of consecration

2. A strong sense of communion

3. A strong set of communication skills

4. A strong set of coping skills

Point 10.

•You learn to cope by developing contentment.

Point 11.

•Perfecting parents learn how to attack the problem without attacking each other.

Clues to Successful Parenting

1. A strong sense of consecration2. A strong sense of communion3. A strong set of communication

skills4. A strong set of coping skills5. A growing sense of

Christlikeness

Point 12.•There is no greater gift you

can give to your children than to let them see by your actions that you know God, and by your reactions that you obey God.