Parenting by Design - March 25

Copycats

Rom. 2:21-22: …You, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? (NIV)

Have you ever held your child accountable for something you failed to do yourself? For instance, do you give your kids consequences for speeding, but continue to speed yourself? Do you come down hard on underage drinking, but set an example of someone who needs a glass of wine to unwind at the end of the day? Do you tell your child to "talk nicely" to others but vent your own anger or exasperation in less than godly ways?

We will be much more influential in the lives of our children if we practice what we preach. Why? Because our kids know when we're being hypocritical! When we complain that they do not treat us with respect, we need to be willing to ask ourselves if our actions and attitudes are worthy of their respect.

Do you want your kids to copy your behavior?