MEMORY VERSE:“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Esther 2:5-9.
INTRODUCTION
Good parenting does not just happen, it must be planned for and effectively pursued. The actions we intentionally take or refuse to take, and the ways we consciously parent amid all of life’s challenges have direct impact on our children. In this lesson, we shall consider what it means to parent intentionally and the how.
OUTLINE
1.WHAT IS INTENTIONAL PARENTING?
2. HOW TO BE INTENTIONAL
1.WHAT IS INTENTIONAL PARENTING?
Intentional parenting means parenting with a clear goal or biblical vision in mind to help your child fulfil divine purpose in life Habakkuk 2:2. It means being able to think through every step of your child’s stage of development 1 Samuel 1:11. Intentional parenting means making informed and conscious parenting choices Genesis 24:3-4; 1 Samuel 1:24.
It focuses on; what parents can do to help their children succeed 2 Timothy 1:5; Proverbs 13:22a; what specific actions they will take to support their children’s strengths and weaknesses Exodus 18:15-24; Ruth 3:1-5; how parents will facilitate the development of their children and what the outcome will look like 2 Timothy 3:14-15.
The goal of intentional parenting is to help children walk in the footsteps of parents who are godly 1 Corinthians 11:1. It is not permissive parenting; it involves giving up control to God while we intentionally do our part as parents, Genesis 18:19; Joshua 24:15. It also means parents understand themselves, their values, their motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. Intentional parenting begins with parents and not with the child. It cannot be outsourced Matthew 7:3-5.
2. HOW TO BE INTENTIONAL
- Believe that God has given you the power to positively influence your child, Philippians 4:13.
- Get the right knowledge: through the word of god, counselling, reading books on parenting, attending trainings/seminars, etc Proverbs 4:7.
- You as parents must come to an understanding that childhood development is neither a race nor competition among different children. Each child is divinely made unique, there is no basis for comparison 2 Corinthians 10:12.
- Give them age- appropriate responsibilities Genesis 37:13-14; 1 Samuel 17:17-18.
- Teach them essential life skills Proverbs 31:1-9.
- Deliberately teach them the word of god Deuteronomy 6:6-7, 2 Timothy 3:15.
- Accept your child’s uniqueness Psalms 139:14.
- Be a great role model Titus 2:7.
- Be consistent, persistent, and deliberate with discipline Proverbs 29:15; Hebrews 12:7.
- Communicate values clearly to your children. Do not parent on the assumption that they know what is right! Psalms 78:2-4.
- Be an emotionally intelligent parent Colossians 3:21.
- Work on yourself as a parent Matthew 7:3-5.
CONCLUSION
Intentional parenting will bring you and your child greater happiness Proverbs 29:17. Start early.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: Ruth 3:1-5
MON: Psalm 78:2-4
TUE: Proverbs 31:1-9
WED: Exodus 18:15-24
THUR: 1 Samuel 17:17-18
FRI: Deuteronomy 6:6-7
SAT: Matthew 7:3-5