Parents Must Set Goals

"Parents must accept the goal of raising their children properly and must diligently work toward that goal. They must not leave this to others."

Too many parents simply don't want to accept their responsibility as parents. They expect others to raise their children: the in-laws, schools, church, yayas or babysitters, day-care centers, or their friends or relatives. Meanwhile the parents pursue other interests.

Some fathers think they will leave the children to the mothers to raise (or vice-versa). Some divorce and leave the home or otherwise desert their children.

Some spend too much time away from home pursuing other interests. Some simply don't bother. This is unacceptable.

If you are a parent, you must have proper goals, and you must work diligently toward those goals. Whether you like it or not, if you have children you must recognize that you are responsible to raise your children properly.

You brought them here
The government did not bring your child into this world. You did. So don't expect the government to raise your child. Likewise, for the church, the schools, the day-care center, and your parents or relatives - none of them brought your children into this world. You brought them here; now you take care of them. Caring for them properly must be your goal.

You may say that a child was "an accident" - you did not intend to conceive. But the fact is that, if you chose to participate in the act the may result in a child, then you are responsible for any child that results. You brought them here. Now it's your job to take care of them.

"Fathers are commanded to bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. You cannot leave this up to others, including your wife (though, of course, she is responsible too). You are responsible. You have no right to shirk this duty or try to shift it to others." -Ephesians 6:4

next, Some Goals are proper but are not the main goal . . .

Raising Godly Kids

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. By following God's word we can raise children who avoid evil and serve God faithfully." Proverbs 22:6

Tips on Raising Godly Kids

How can parents succeed in training children in the home? What parenting and child-raising authorities should fathers and mothers follow: the Bible or psychologists, social workers, and educators? Is there a purpose and goal that should families pursue? How important are love and instruction in the family and parenting? How should parents motivate and discipline unruly children? What about spanking, punishment, and rewards? Is it possible for a father and mother to raise godly kids despite modern social pressures in entertainment, recreation, and education?

1. Have a Purpose

No one and nobody will succeed in any task without keeping his goal clearly in mind. Imagine a basketball team that becomes so wrapped up in their beautiful uniforms, venues, and making commercials that they forget about winning ball games. Uniforms and a venue are helpful - even commercials may be all right - but the players must remember their goal is to win games!
So parents must keep their responsibility clearly in mind. What do you consider to be your goal as a parent? What would it take to make you feel that you had been a success or a failure as a parent?

• Parents set goals for your kids.
• Some Goals are proper but are not the main goal.
• The main goal is to train kids to serve God so they can receive eternal life.

to be continued . . .