Week Forty - Two - Pushy Kids

Charles Stanley said, "A child needs the security of a parent who can't be pushed around." I'd have to agree. After raising five children myself, I've come to realize there just isn't the option of being pushed around if we want a happy home and successful children. When a parent yields to the demands of their children, structure breaks down, and the child, although they may never put it into words, feels insecure and unsafe. They need the parent to be the parent in the situation. Let's push some preferred Ps!

Parent - the responsible adult in the home, the one who answers to authority, be it to God or man, for what happens within the home.

Principles - the guidelines and rules for acceptable behaviour within the home, set by the Word of God and upheld by the authority of the parent. Principles must be understood by the entire family, and each member must be held accountable to fulfill them.

Pattern - the manner in which daily life happens. Every home runs differently, depending on work schedules, schooling, and the interests and activities of its members. Without a consistent pattern to life, a schedule of some sort, things get overlooked, people get disappointed, and hurts come. Generally, kids feel more secure when there is order in the home.

Perseverance - being the parent isn't always a pretty picture. Sometimes we must persevere when kids try to push us around. They need to know we will stick by our principles and strive to maintain a pattern of order in the home; no amount of their screaming or wailing will change that. The Bible even tells you not to be swayed by their crying - be the adult in the situation and stick to your guns.

Prayer - you will need the strength of the Lord to be a good, strong parent, so go to the source of strength. Bring your home and family before Him. Pray for that pushy kid and look for ways to create understanding and calm in your home. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). I think that verse was put in the Bible for parents!

Praise - don't forget to make more noise about the good things than you do about the bad stuff. Look for ways to give praise. And praise the Lord before your children. Help them see that you are relying upon the Lord, looking to Him for answers and help, and thankful for His love for your family.

Plan - don't try to parent without a plan. What do you want your home to be like? What would you describe as acceptable behaviour? Draw your plan from the Word of God and be consistent. Hope, pray, be the example, build your home using wisdom, understanding, and knowledge (Proverbs 24:3-4). Then, there is the promise of precious and pleasant riches, children that rise up and call you blessed (Proverbs 31:28), and the desires of your heart being met (Psalm 37:4).

Power - all of this equals power to parent! Kids don't come with an instruction book; we just have to do on-the-job training, but we are not without power when we parent using God's instruction book. There is power in the Word, power in prayer, and power in trusting God, our heavenly Father, the best parent anyone could have!

Promise - we all need a promise. Here is my favorite promise for parents. Psalm 115:14, "The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children." So, be the parent in the situation. Don't let them push you around. Hold true, and God will be true to you.