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The DeGRAFF FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH

State Route 235/ 100 East Miami Street

DeGraff, Ohio 43318

Phone: (937) 585-4463

James R. Roby, Pastor

TIPS FOR PARENTS

*YOUR CHILD NEEDS A PARENT NOT A BUDDY

A small child needs a foundation that is stronger than a mere friend. Knowing he/she is loved  is more important that having a pal. Parents really help a child form their first opinion of what God is like.

*YOU CAN DECIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR CHILD

Dr. Spock (neither Vulcan or Benjamin) is not the expert on your child. The teacher is dealing with generalities and averages. Your child is not a general or average.

*CHILDREN DO BETTER WHEN THEY KNOW THERE ARE LIMITS TO THEIR BEHAVIOR

All kids look for fences. This is normal and a parent who is dismayed when little Johnny goes to the furthest extent of permission is in for many disappointments. On the other hand, the child who has no limits will search until either the law or the Lord stops him.

*NEVER GIVE A CHILD WHAT HE/SHE IS CRYING FOR

Giving a baby the toy they cry for teaches several things.

1. It teaches that this is the approved way to get what they want.

2. It teaches that they have a right to be depressed and despondent when they don't.

3. It teaches that their desires are really needs when they are not.

4. It puts the child in control of what they need and have, rather than the adult.

*DO NOT BE AFRAID TO TEACH THEM TO WORK

Instilling a work ethic in your child is very important. Work is not for losers, nerds, and dweebs. They need to learn that if they are going to succeed in this world they will need to work. Teach them to respect people with callouses.

*REMEMBER PLAY IS AS IMPORTANT TO A CHILD AS WORK

Play is God's way for a child to mature their mind. Letting a child create his own fantasy rather than the television exercises the mind. It teaches him to be creative and to have a sense of humor.

*DO NOT ALLOW HOLLYWOOD TO TRAIN YOUR CHILDREN

It is important to see the failure of Hollywood. Their marriages fail and their children take drugs, live in sin, get arrested, and contact disease. Never allow the Media's morals (or lack of) to infect your child.

*WATCH WHO YOUR CHILDREN CHOOSE AS HEROES

Sports personalities are to be admired for physical prowess and nothing else. Parents, pastors, godly fellow church members, historical personalities should be the heroes of your child, especially Mom and Dad.

*THE CREATOR OF CHILDREN HAS SAID SOME IMPORTANT THINGS ABOUT KIDS.

If you have a Bible you can look up some important verses. As a parent you should:

1. Love them Titus 2:4

2. Train them correctly Proverbs 22:6 & Ephesians 6:4

3. Be the parent 1 Timothy 3:4,12