Introduction:
Many children today are being neglected by their parents – no materially – but parentally. This is becoming more the norm rather than the exception. More and more children are left by parents to make up their own rules & live by their self-created social codes. The lives they are living are not pretty.
I. A New Breed of Orphan.
Too many parents are acting as nonparents. The consequences are being seen all over the country – and right here in our community.
How much time are we investing in our children?
This is the worst kind of child abuse – because it sets children up for misery and failure and a lifetime of regret.
II. God’s word gives many practical aspects to parenting.
Deut. 6:5-7
Our children must learn that God’s commands mean something REAL in day-to-day life.
Prov. 22:6. Solomon tells us 2 things here.
How we train a child today will affect the kind of adult child grows into.
There is a way for a child to go.
Pro. 22:15; 13:24 – discipline is a necessary part of parenting.
Ephesians 6:4 – need to be training them – involved with them.
III. Parents have great influence on children.
1.5% of child’s time is spent at church.
1. 25% of child’s time is spent at school.
2. 73% of child’s time is spent under the influence of the home.
Parents are participants w/God in creating and maturing new human beings.
IV. A careful look at your parenting style.
Authoritarian Parents.
1. High on control; rules; and low on warmth and emotional interaction
Buddy Parents.
2. High on warmth; low on control; rules. More like peers than parents.
Laissez-Faire Parents.
3. Low on warmth; low on control. The extreme of nonparents.
Authoritative Parents.
4. High levels of emotional warmth & disciplinary direction.
5. kids in this type of relationship develop:
a) Security of knowing they’re loved
b) an internal moral compass
6. This is the type of parenting that most closely reflects the character of God.
7. This is the parent who leads through patience, example, and with wisdom. One who patiently instructs his child. (James 1:2-5)
Conclusion:
There are many factors today as to why the majority of American families are falling apart. But there is hope – all is not lost.
Do you need to start by making a commitment to Christ?