I know some parents who are deliberately teaching dependence in their children. Concern about teaching children submission is (from what some of these mothers have told me) at the forefront of their mind. And truly, since obedience is the only command given directly to children in the New Testament, obedience is of utmost importance. But [...]
Filed under: Child Development
There’s a tension between my mommy instinct which can hardly bear to hear my baby cry at night, and my thirst for sleep. Without the mommy instinct, I’d not care if my baby truly needed me. Without the thirst for sleep, I’d never push her out of the nest. I suppose I need both. Maybe [...]
Filed under: Bedtime
Birthdays are great teaching occasions, especially birthday parties of moms who love big crowds and are brave enough to invite a large number of preschoolers. You have the opportunity of testing manners (“Please may I have more punch” four times), you have the opportunity of getting along with other children, and opportunities for obedience and [...]
Filed under: Manners
I think at the heart of what has nudged this sin and the HS discussion to the front of my mind is the unwise comparison between the depravity of my own children, and the apparent goodness of others’ children. Now, my children are generally considered well-behaved, especially when they’re out in public, and people often [...]
Filed under: Introspection
I learned something new today. Since I’ve been running around like crazy for the last few days, the house has suffered. And consequently, I noticed both children responding to the mess, too. Normally, I have big plans: after the whole house is completely clean, we’ll go do something fun. I am hesitant to go do [...]
What do I know about the spiritual condition of my children? I know that there is no one that in himself seeks after God or understands the Word of God. (Romans 3:10ff; 1 Corinthians 2:10ff) I know that there is a natural law of conscience in an unsaved person’s life. (Romans 2:15ff) I know that [...]
Filed under: Salvation
When I was a little girl, I remember my mom and I making some gift for another woman. Mom let me put it on her doorstep and ring the doorbell, and then I got to run away before she came to the door. What I realize now was that my mom wasn’t merely
Filed under: Discipleship
We’re making progress defining sin. I’m actually wondering whether David is a bit behind in the social empathy department. For awhile, when I asked him if he was being kind to his sister, he would say
Filed under: Communication and Meaning, Getting Along, Salvation
In retrospect, what is the use of thinking through hard questions like the Holy Spirit’s role in our children’s lives? For me, I was reminded this morning that God’s Wisdom doesn’t come merely from asking good questions, or even prayer alone. Proverbs 2 tells us that wisdom comes when we seek for it, passionately, persistently. [...]
Filed under: Introspection, Mom Time
The first time I went to the grocery store with David and Bethel, I felt nervous. After all, there’s only one place for a child in most grocery carts. I felt the same trepidation when I took all three children out for the first time. Having a husband who works long hours means that if [...]
Filed under: In the Car and on the Go
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