When I was younger, I remember my parents had a book on baby and childcare from a Dr. Spock. Before I was married, a coworker once wondered why people needed a license to drive but no license to have kids. After being married, I wondered why we had premarital counseling but no instructions to raise kids.

I found out about a parenting course from a friend who was very positive about it and from a coworker who found out that I was going to be a stay-at-home mom. I felt I needed instructions on parenting, so I bought the course which included Preparation for Parenting, Preparation for the Toddler Years, and Growing Kids God’s Way. It was helpful for me at the time but as my kids grew, I forgot about the course. 

I’m glad that my parents came to visit when I gave birth and stayed a week after. During that first week, I thought I would break Marcus because he was so tiny. My mom told me that newborns are stronger than they look and did all of the bathing and most of the changing of diapers that first week. I’m glad she thought I could handle taking care of Marcus after she left even though I wasn’t so sure.

After a month or so of caring for a baby, I was invited to join a MOMS group. I found out that it stood for Making Our Mothering Significant. Just when it ended, the church we were attending started a MOPS group. This group was for Mothers Of Preschoolers. This group was very similar to the MOMS group except that the craft we did after the parenting lesson was for a craft or activity we could do with our kids later. Every week I had fun and learned a lot about parenting with other moms.

The parenting course and the mom groups all referred to the Believers Instruction Book: Living Edition for guidance. It has examples of how to be a good parent and also not so good parent. There are also many guidelines and principles to help in our parenting. Even though the verses may not specifically say it is for parenting, if it is for other people, then it applies to parenting. If the verse is for or about teachers, leaders, or stewards; then it is also for parents.

The book of Proverbs is a great place to look for parenting guidance since it is written as a father instructing his son. The goal for parenting is to train our children in the way they should go so when they are old, they do not depart from it. If you haven’t read it from beginning to end, now is the time to join the month of March Proverbs challenge or do it for Lent.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for providing examples, guidelines, and principles for raising Your children. You are a good God and Father. Help us to remember that You love our children more than we do. May we train Your children in Your ways so they will grow to bring You glory.

In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.

Verses 

Luke 2 Example of Mary and Joseph

Judges 13 Example of Samson’s parents

Genesis 37 Example of Jacob with sons

Mark 6:14-28 Example of Herod and Herodias

Ephesians 6:4 Parents, raise your children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord

Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in sin, restore that person gently

Proverbs 1:8 Listen, my child, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching

Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it

 Song 

“Lead Me” by Sanctus Real was the closest song that matched the topic. Would you have any other suggestions?

  Call to action 

If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then join the free month of March Proverbs Challenge happening now in the Arise2 Grow More Facebook group. We’re reading one chapter of Proverbs a day this month.