Prepare Your Children for the Real World

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