Prepare Your Children for the Real World
Help your children grow in independence
Doug Britton, MFT
www.dougbrittonbooks.com
Introduction
This study is one of a series of online Bible studies on Christian parenting. It is adapted from Preparing Your Child for Life.
As you study the following outline, score yourself from 0 to 10 on each point.
- “0” means “I really need to improve in this area.”
- “10” means “I’m doing great in this area.”
Discipline wisely
Discipline in love (Galatians 6:1). My score (0-10): ____
Usually use short-term punishment. My score (0-10): ____
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (Colossians 3:21)
Teach, do not simply punish. My score (0-10): ____
Related: Spanking guidelines
Related book: Parenting Foundations: Nurturing with Insight, Disciplining with Love
Provide a slowly-loosening structure
Actively train younger children. My score (0-10): ____
Slowly give older children more freedom, but do not give up all your authority. My score (0-10): ____
Do not release all your authority at once. My score (0-10): ____
Allow your children to make choices
(Genesis 2:16-17; Luke 15:11-32).
- Increase the opportunities as your children grow older. My score (0-10): ____
- Become less “authoritative” as your children grow older. My score (0-10): ____
Teach responsibility
Have your children do chores
(Genesis 2:15). My score (0-10): ____
- Work with your children. My score (0-10): ____
- Do not nag (Proverbs 10:19). My score (0-10): ____
Instead of nagging, set deadlines together with your children, then when the time comes, give consequences (positive or negative). - Allow older children to help choose chores. My score (0-10): ____
Prepare your children to deal with an ungodly culture
As your children grow older, expose them to the real world. My score (0-10): ____
Provide opportunities for your children to learn how to interact with people outside of your church family. Do not be foolish, but do not be overprotective. Read 1 Samuel 16:11, 17:17-20, and 33-36.
Help interpret the real world to your children.
- Warn about coming challenges. My score (0-10): ____
- Discuss current events. My score (0-10): ____
- Show sorrow, not disgust, for sinners. My score (0-10): ____
Take your children with you when you volunteer to help at church or community events. My score (0-10): ____
Teach your children to be ambassadors for Christ. My score (0-10): ____
We either are influenced by others or are influencers (2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20).
Related: Bible studies on how to interact with our culture
Related book: Preparing Your Child for Life
More Bible Studies
Parenting Books
Parenting Foundations
Loving, nurturing, disciplining
Read More
Preparing Your Child for Life
Helping your child thrive in our culture
Read More
Victory Over Grumpiness, Irritation, and Anger
Grow in love and patience
Read More
Improving Your Teamwork
Making decisions as a team
Read More
About Doug Britton, MFT
Doug Britton, Bible-based Marriage and Family Therapist, has helped hundreds of thousands of people as a therapist, clinical director of a treatment center, seminar speaker, radio cohost, and author of over twenty books that show how to apply God's truths in your daily life. (Visit www.dougbrittonbooks.com.)
Copyright © 2020 Doug Britton. Permission granted to print for personal use. (Scripture verses are from the New International Version, copyright © 1984.) See reprint policy.