“Family First, the Commandment with a Promise”
“Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12, ESV
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.’” Ephesians 6:1-3, ESV
Giving and Gaining Respect
Respect, honor begins at home. See if some of the following ideas can be of some help to you as you teach your children to respect you and as you model being a parent worthy of respect.
*Foster an attitude of servanthood toward each other in your home. Children who learn to serve learn to respect others.
*Create opportunities for your children to spend time with their grandparents or other senior adults. Attitudes about what it means to grow old and to respect elders comes through knowing our elders.
*Do not excuse children’s rudeness or disrespect toward you just because they are angry or upset. If a child is rude or insensitive, insist on a sincere apology.
*Begin teaching respect for parental authority early in your child’s life.
*What disrespectful behavior are you laughing at today that you do not want to see repeated and exaggerated when your child gets older?
*Model honoring respect in front of your children by honoring your own parents.
*Is there anything in your life that is causing your children to disrespect you?
*How might you work with your kids to let them know that your interests include their best interests.
*If you, as an adult, are at war with either of your parents, do what you can to make peace.
*Let your children see you having the courage and humility to admit mistakes and take the blame when you are wrong.
