ABCs For Single Parenting: Part 7

The ABCs (Absolute Basic Criteria) for Raising Spiritually Sensitive Children – Part 7

The Bible provides sufficient principles for child rearing, but it does not give us a detailed blueprint for every action. Let’s keep in mind that God’s Word speaks clearly of the righteous goal for parenting: “Be ye holy for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

It is my desire to show you the practical side of biblical truth. There is no greater joy than to see your children grown, serving the Lord and raising your grandchildren with the same biblical goal of holiness. Here are the next two topics (P and Q).

P is for Peace

When my children were young, my mom introduced me to a renowned violence prevention and character education youth program called Peace Builders.

This elegantly simple set of six principles, when taught, modeled and practiced daily with consistency, improves the lives of young people every day and gives them the skills they need to survive and thrive in their schools, homes and communities, and prepares them to be successful, well-adjusted and productive adults.

Praise People       Give-Up Put-Downs          Seek Wise People            Notice Hurts           Right Wrongs            Help Others

I decided to implement these principles into my parenting. I certainly wanted to prevent my children from being violent, and developing their character was number 1 on my to-do list. 

The simple six became a list on the fridge. We memorized the list and recited it often. Every day could be a peaceful day when we practiced these six rules. 

Over the years many people have commented on how peaceful our home is. The question has been asked more then once, “How do you get your kids to love each other?” 

My answer is, I became a Peace Builder and I taught them to be Peace Builders too. (Okay, actually I MADE them!) 

Every human soul cries out for love and peace. Loving our kiddoes comes naturally, but having peace takes character, and that requires effort. 

Memorize the simple six. You can do it!

 Be a Peace Builder and enjoy a peaceful home, full of peaceful kids and a peaceful husband. You can even be at peace with your neighbors and your mother-in-law. It works!

Q is for Quality … or is it Quantity?

I have decided that both quality time and the quantity of time spent with our children are equally important.

I am grateful for every minute I’ve had as a mommy, even the entire month of chickenpox! The past 28 years of my life could have been spent on many things, but I knew that I had only one chance to have quality time with my babies. What could be better in life than lots and lots of quality time with my kids? Nothing!

1. Spend more time at home.

2. Spend time with other moms who share your values.

3. Don’t get into a rut; make each day exciting and fun!

4. Count your blessings, and do not complain about what you do not have.

5. Take lots of pictures and journal often so that you remember everything you are experiencing—the good, the bad and the ugly. Before you know it, your kids will be grown, and you will have great memories because you were there!

R is for Respect, read about it next time.

Read more of these great tips from the series.

Trina Titus Lozano, mother of four grown children and grandmother of nine, is a former professor of home economics at Christ For the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas, and the creator of The Home Experience Semester Course. The daughter of Devi and Larry Titus, Trina is the author of Wait, the Smart Choice Abstinence Education for Public Schools and the vice president of Wonderful Days, a nonprofit organization based in Fort Worth, Texas. Trina is a counselor, cognitive therapist and popular inspirational speaker at public schools nationwide. She has been recognized by the state of Texas premarital counseling program, Twogether in TEXAS. Trina is the author of The ABC’s, Absolute Basic Criteria for Raising the Next Christian Generation, and is an ordained Christian minister. She is open and candid, and her messages apply to real-life issues. Trina and her husband James (since 1983) reside in Colleyville, Texas.