![[(Child Training Tips : What I Wish I Knew When My Children Were Young)] [By (author) Reb Bradley] published on (August, 2014)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SnOcJL+QL._SL500_.jpg)
Are you having a hard time handling behavior struggles in your children? Maybe you were taught methods that actually push your kids away, instead of teaching them with love and emphasizing relationships over rules. Or, is it that you lack consistency in your parenting approach, and what was once a minor issue has now escalated into a daily battle with your child?
So what now? Is it too late? And as Christian moms, how can we handle behavior struggles God’s way?
Behavior struggles in children are common. You aren’t alone if you have a child who acts out! Thankfully, God’s Word has a lot of wisdom and guidance for us to look to as we learn gentle and effective ways to parent our kids who might require a bit more love and attention. Through lots of prayer, some Godly mentorship, and a healthy amount of patience, we can raise these challenging children to be strong stewards of God’s kingdom!
Behavior struggles come in various shapes and sizes. It could be the refusal to tidy up, frequent tantrums, difficulty in following instructions, or challenges with siblings. As Christian moms, we know that each child is fearfully and wonderfully made, but sometimes, those individual “quirks” show up as struggles.
Now, let’s take a moment to look at some of the areas that can contribute to behavior struggles.
First, there is the uniqueness of each child. Just as no two snowflakes are alike, no two children are the same. Their personalities, temperaments, and even their developmental stages play a significant role in how they express themselves.
Then there’s the environment they’re growing up in. As homeschool moms, we have the incredible privilege of shaping not only our children’s minds but also their hearts. However, even within our nurturing homes, external influences like stress, routine changes, or even family transitions can impact our little one’s behavior.
And let’s not forget the physical aspect. Sometimes, there are underlying medical or neurological conditions that can influence behavior and leave us feeling like we are navigating a storm with an invisible compass.
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And finally, there is the spiritual dimension. As Christian women, we believe in the power of prayer and the grace of God. Sometimes, behavior struggles can be a call for us to press deeper into our faith, seeking wisdom and strength from God to guide us through the stormy seas of parenthood.
When parenting a difficult child and learning how to handle behavior struggles, we can find comfort in God’s Word and wisdom on discipline.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
As parents, the role God gave us is crucial, and He personally chose YOU to parent YOUR child. When you root your children in God’s Word, you are giving them a rock-solid foundation to grow from, and even turn back to if they go through periods where it feels like they are falling away. This verse serves as a reminder that our role extends beyond mere discipline; it’s about shaping your child’s character and nurturing their relationship with God.
Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes... in You and Your Kids
Passionate Parenting: Enjoying the Journey of Parenting TeensSolving A Crisis in Christian Parenting: Why so many prodigals?[(Child Training Tips : What I Wish I Knew When My Children Were Young)] [By (author) Reb Bradley] published on (August, 2014)
“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
This verse speaks directly to the way we parent. It’s a reminder to approach discipline with love and gentleness, avoiding harshness or provocation. Our aim should be to raise our children in the ways of the Lord, teaching them His commandments and guiding them with patience and understanding.
“Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.”
Discipline, when done with love and consistency, leads to peace within your family. By nurturing a disciplined heart in our children, we pave the way for a deeper connection and understanding in our relationship with them.
The truth is, understanding these verses is just the beginning. Applying them in our parenting journey requires wisdom and discernment, which is why I created a valuable tool to help you.
In “Training and Correcting the Heart With Scripture” I share practical ways we can incorporate Biblical principles into our parenting, offering guidance and encouragement for those challenging moments.
Remember, parenting is a journey. We can lean on God’s Word and His wisdom as we navigate the joys and challenges of raising children who love and honor Him.
Practical Tips for Handling Behavior with Godly Wisdom
Before you jump into punishing your child when he behaves poorly, make sure you’re reacting with a prayerful response. You must take a minute to calm yourself down and seek God’s guidance as you try to figure out what to do next.
When my kids were growing up, I loved making the book of Proverbs a regular part of my prayer time. There are 31 chapters in this beautiful book, so I started many months over the years reading and praying one chapter each day as I worked through the book.
2. Have Consistent and Loving Discipline
When we discipline our children, let’s do so with truth in love, understanding that correction stems from a place of deep care and concern.
Consistency is key when handling behavior struggles. Children thrive on routine and predictability. Consistent discipline sends a clear message, establishing boundaries and expectations. Whether it’s setting limits on screen time, enforcing household rules, or addressing behavioral issues, consistency breeds security and stability.
But let’s not forget the power of patience. Parenting challenging children can test our endurance, but patience is our greatest ally. It can allow us to see beyond the behavior to the heart of the child. Try one of these tips and approach each situation with a spirit of calmness and grace.
For more help on this topic, I have just the resources to help! My eBooks, “Winning the Heart of Your Child” and “Parenting Mistakes That Push Your Child Away,” offer practical insights, heartfelt encouragement, and actionable strategies to help you navigate the joys and challenges of parenting.
When it comes to parenting a difficult child, we have to remember that the way we live and the examples we set are the most effective way to teach our children the kind of behavior we expect of them. Use teachable moments whenever possible, for instance, when someone in the family mistreats you, use the opportunity to share with your children how your feelings were hurt and how you work towards forgiveness and understanding.
When you are upset and lash out at your children (we’ve all been there!) use it as a teaching moment to show them humility and grace as you calm yourself down, apologize for the poor behavior, and ask them for forgiveness as you move past the incident.
God’s Word is full of examples where Jesus and others had to exercise forgiveness and grace. When it comes to disciplining, seek His Word first and teach your children forgiveness through Scripture.
There are so many great resources out there for parenting a difficult child with Godly wisdom, but a few of our community favorites are:
Parenting is challenging even on good days, so remember… keep yourself rooted in God’s Word, reflect grace, demonstrate humility, practice forgiveness, and pray often. This journey can be exhausting, but you aren’t alone in it.
If you have any experiences or tips you’d like to share with dealing with difficult children, please join in the conversation in the comments.
