My wife and I raised two little boys who were three years apart. I know
they can be very trying, especially on Mom. So, what I’m about to
suggest to you comes from good experience with this subject.
You have maybe one or two years to turn those kids around. I know
they’re young but don’t be fooled. The character you build in them now
is what they will live with the rest of their lives.
I have six simple suggestions…
1. Turn off the television.
2. Take them to the park. A big park is best so they can work off all that energy.
3. Read to them.
4. You and Dad need to stand together on the matter of discipline. If you don’t, it’s all over.
5. Never repeat yourself to a child. Tell him once.
another room and lower the boom. Don’t hurt him. Just be plain spoken.
Act promptly. And never make a threat you do not intend to act on.
6. Get your family in a church that loves children.
I do not believe the character of a child is permanently fixed as a
toddler, even if I implied otherwise. But so much of who they are is
well established by the time they are five. My wife and I adopted a
five-year-old daughter, so we also know this, and could tell you story
after story.
Even if your child is an adult now, don’t give up, friend. Pray and love
them, and seek God’s wisdom. If you do not believe in the power of
prayer, you will throw up your hands in despair. Pray or despair. Those
are your choices. God help you.
[written by Joe McKeever]
