Session Outline:

Psalm 123:3 behold children are a gift from the Lord.

Psalm 127:4-5 like arrows in hand of a warrior, so are the children of ones youth, blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

Duet. 4:9; 6:6-7 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

1 Tim. 5:8 If you do not provide for your own — especially for those of your own household — you have denied the faith and are worse than an unbeliever.

Dr. Dennis Guernsey, in an article in "Family Life Today", says there are four types of parents: (see supplemental handout)

Life Implication:

Some estimates suggest that from one to one-and-a-half million kids are on the streets. Suicide, drugs, alcohol, teen pregnancy, homosexuality, gang affiliation, and a host of mental and physical disorders are on the rise. A recent study says that 81% of teenagers are depressed about their life. Most of these kids are struggling because of dysfunctional relationships with their parents.

The kind of parent or role-model we are has a direct linkage to the kind of kids we produce. It is our clear responsibility to teach and provide for our kids. Acquiring good parenting skills should be a priority for every man and woman.

1. There is a high level of commitment to the family

2. They spend time together

3. There is good communication

4. They express appreciation for each other

5. There is a spiritual commitment

6. They are able to solve problems in a crisis

You may want to rate your family in each category to see how you are doing.

James 2:15 -16 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? Words are not enough.

Eph. 5:15 -16 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Eph 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Mark 9:36-37 He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.

Prov. 22:6 AMP. Train up a child in the way HE should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent]—and even when they are old they will not depart from it

Prov. 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the

soul and healing to the bones.

Say as often as possible, I _________ you -- I am __________ of you.

 

Test yourself with each of your children to see how open their spirits are. This is a simple, general evaluation that can help a parent

detect whether or not a child’s spirit is closing. Score each question from one to five. 1 = never; 2 = seldom; 3 = sometimes; 4 = usually; 5 = always.

1. Does my child (ages two and above) enjoy touching me? ______

2. Does my child spontaneously touch me when I first see him after

school or at home? ______

3. Does my child respect what I respect in life? ______

4. Does my child generally appreciate what I value in life—i.e., the Bible,

my vocation, etc.? _____

5. Would my child’s friends be my choice for him/her? ______

6. Does my child wear clothing and hairstyles that I approve of? ______

7. Does my child choose the activities I would choose for him/her? ______

8. Does my child’s music reflect what I approve of? ______

9. Does my child enjoy having conversations with me? ______

10. Does my child agree in general with my opinions? ______

11. Does my child enjoy going places with me? ______

12. Does my child obey me regularly? ______

13. Does my child generally reflect a warm affection for me? ______

14. Does my child naturally enjoy looking into my eyes? ______

TOTAL SCORE: _________ THESE SCORES MAY INDICATE:

14 - 20 Danger, resolve immediately.

21 - 30 Warning, proceed with caution.

31 - 40 Watch out for falling rocks.

41 - 50 Things may be bumping along but OK.

51 - 70 End of construction. Drive carefully.

Source: The Key to Your Child’s Heart, By Gary Smalley

In reviewing the four "Parent types" which one best describes me? What areas of "becoming a loving parent" do I need to improve upon?