1. We are the role model to our children
Children are gifts from God! They are perfectly made in God's image. They are born to imitate us because we (parents) are the most important person in their life. We are the most important pillar to our children. In our children's eyes, we are their hero.
Things we say and do, they will be too. If we are whiner ourselves, our children will be one. If we are achiever, our children will too. If we feel we are loser, our children will think they don't deserve to win.
Therefore, model the right behaviors and value. We are glad that we had discussion on how we want to raise our baby during my first pregnancy. It can sound inflexible at times, but we are glad we are holding hands especially when the journey gets tough.
Give ourselves a pat on our back as parenting is never easy. We love our children so much that we are striving to be a good model to our children. We believe there are few things to look into if we are keen to build the right foundations to model.
a. Discuss with our partner to determine the 'mood' at home. We must understand we are the designer of our marriage and family life. We simply can't function together as a family if we drag our baby into our busy schedule and expecting them to adapt to the crazy world outside the womb. Strike a balance. Create the schedule, the expected responsibility for each other and the routine for the baby. At least these are within our circle of influence. We are modeling 'certainty' at home. Our children do not need to 'second guess' us. And I believe that is a security blanket for them.
b. By having item a, strike an agreement to respect and solve all the possible challenges calmly together. Your baby is watching. You will be amaze how your baby imitate you when she utters her first word. We are modeling respect, self control and team work.
c. Have quiet time together regularly. We love each other. Your spouse deserve your attention. We are modeling strong marriage relationship and our children will have theirs when it's time for them.
d. Pursue our passion. We know passion stir positive energy. Our children is looking at us and we are creating that positive energy. Who don't want to associate with positive achiever? We are modeling the attitude of achieving.
e. Determine to minimize bad habits. We all know things that are harmful to your children. We are modeling to have the right habits that prosper us and not destroy us.
f. Love ourselves. Yes, we need to pamper ourselves to keep our sanity intact. If we love 'us', our children will love their life. Isn't that what we want as parents?
I am still "a work in progress" myself. Those pointers is a reminder to me. The good news is I am not alone in this 'business'. Who don't want to have an ideal situation? Striving towards it will make the journey meaningful.
Below are some scriptures that I relate to and I would like to share with the readers.
A. 1 Corinthians 11:1
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
B. Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
C. Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
D. Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
E. Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
