How to Really Mess Up Your Kids

I don't believe any parent intentionally starts off to mess up their kids. Yet it's also true that as we look at society, we see more and more kids doing things that make us scratch our heads and ask why? Disrespect and disobedience to parents and authority top the list. In fact, Paul told Timothy that one of the distinguishing characteristics of a culture that falls away from God is marked by those who are "disobedient to parents" and "without love for others or any sense of self control". (2 Timothy 3:1-2.

How do parents end up with disrespectful and/or disobedient kids. I read an article that listed 4 fairly common ways this happens. Can you identify with any of these?

1) You don't really expect them to listen to you. You treat their doing what you say as optional, so if they don't do it, you don't really want the hassle and you let it go.

2) They've learned to respond to you only when you've lost your cool and are angry and yelling. They reason that now you're finally mad and mean what you say. Until this point, see #1 above.

3) There's no real consequences for not obeying. What are your plans for it they don't follow through. Much of the problem of an entitled people is they see any good reason to do what is asked or expected is because they should only have to do what they want. Kids pick up on this attitude.

4) Similar to # 3, You're inconsistent with your discipline. You might threaten, but there's more bark that bite to your approach and soon enough your kids learns this.
(these I adapted from an article True Aim, the Blue Manor Blog)

Solomon had much to say about raising good kids. The wisdom and science behind it. On Sunday I'm going to unpack some of these truths in a message Priorities for Parents in Raising Kids Right. I hope You'll be join me either in person or on our Facebook page at 9:33am.

See Ya Sunday Friend