Parenting 101

A Few tips on Parenting from Above Rubies (https://www.facebook.com/AboveRubiesUS?hc_location=stream)

WHINING CHILDREN
Some mothers have written in and asked what to do about whining children. They share that they've tried everything and the children still whine!
This is certainly a habit we need to break in their lives while they are young. As mothers we are training our children for their future and for their marriage one day. It sure won't help them to be successful in life if they have a complaining attitude. It can actually destroy their lives, and their future marriage. Who wants to live with a complaining wife? It was whining that destroyed the Israelites and kept the Israelites out of the Promised Land (Read 1 Corinthians 10:9-10).
Here's a few things to think about.
1. Pray over your child or children. Every night when they are asleep, you and your husband go into their room and pray over them. In the power of the name of Jesus break this whining spirit over your child. Pray that God will pour into their heart a grateful and happy attitude. Prayer is powerful. Never use it as a last resort. Always pray first!
2. Choose some Scriptures about being thankful for Memory Verses. Are you teaching your children to memorize the Scriptures? I believe that God's Word has the power to fill up that which is lacking in our children's lives. Whenever my children had a weakness in their life, I would fill it up with God's Word.

WHEN I'M CALM, THE CHILDREN ARE CALMER
Recently we talked about sibling fighting. One of our readers wrote to me something that blessed her and I am going to share it with you, too. "Right now, we've got six children living in a hotel room, and we're crowded to say the least (we're relocating and looking for a new home). Sometimes, the fights break out faster than I can stop them, and the noise and chaos overwhelms me, at which point I lose it.
This morning, my husband prayed over me, and today has been SO much easier! The children's behavior is the same, it's MY heart that's at peace. When I'm calmer, the children are calmer. This morning started out the same old same old, but as we go on, they're calming down now that they see Mommy isn't going to be the she-beast she was yesterday."
Have you thought of asking your husband to pray over you each morning? He is your covering. Ask him to ask God, as your covering, to fill you with His peace, anointing, and power as you spend another day nurturing and teach your children.

THE SECRET WEAPON
I like to think of motherhood as being a secret weapon in God's army. While the world often disregards and disrespects Mother's work, she is quietly building, training, strengthening and sharpening future soldiers. It makes me think of 1Cor 1:25, because so often His wisdom appears foolish to the world. I smile all the more when I hear someone think a woman could have or should have done more with her life than stayed home for her family. It is all the more gratifying for me to know my work seems foolish to the world! We are secret weapons- worth more than the world will ever know.

IDEA FOR TONIGHT
Continuing our thoughts about whining children, here's a good idea for you tonight. When you sit together at your family meal table this evening, ask each child to share two things for which they are grateful. Go around the table, each one having a turn, including mommy and daddy.
Thoughts from friends of Above Rubies:
Barb: We actually do this quite often. It's also neat to ask the children to share one or two things we've studied that day. Mom is often astounded that they "heard" all that they share when it seems they were distracted by every little thing.
Amanda: If your children are whining all the time not just occasionally you might look at yourself. Children often copy what they see/hear :) This is a great tool to grow yourself, when my children are doing something I don't particularly like, I evaluate myself, that sometimes is where they get it, unfortunately! :)
Laressa: I used to do this frequently at the end of a school day when I taught school. The children enjoyed it and gave me a chance to get to know them a little better. Now that I have my own children I do it occasionally with them, but should do it more often. Thanks for the reminder!