I just heard a secular, public-school teacher giving three pieces of good advice to parents. They were 1. Take away their iPads so they interact and learn empathy. 2. Let them fail so that you can teach them how to responsibly solve their own problems. 3. Discipline their wrong doing so other people can also teach them. (My summary, not her exact words).

When older women mentor young mothers, these may not be topics we would consider when teaching them to “love their children” (Titus 2:4) but certainly, if parents are concerned about their child’s character as well as her spiritual growth, it’s time to think of the cultural trends in parenting and examine them biblically.

It may seem antiquated to some but scriptural truths about how to love our children are important.

1. The teacher pointed out that children who spend a lot of time on a computer do not know how to show sympathy or care for other children. The Bible says, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”1 Peter 3:8
2. She said children who are never permitted to fail are not taught how to be responsible for fixing their own problems. They expect someone else to solve them. The Bible says, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Parents have a responsibility, not just to teach, but to train children to obey God’s commands.
3. Her third point was that children who are undisciplined have a hard time accepting correction or punishment and are difficult to be around. The Bible says, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid” Proverbs 12:21. It also says that to spare the rod is to spoil the child (Proverbs 13:24).

Most mothers do not have to be taught “to” love their children but many need some instruction in “how to” love their children. When we coddle them and refuse to allow them to suffer the consequences of their actions, they have a difficult time navigating their problems as adults. Obeying God will be more difficult than obeying a boss if children grow up to think that the rules don’t apply to them.  Caring about their character points them toward the Lord. Pretending they are sinless points them away.

In Ephesians 6:4 we get a picture of what God is looking for. “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord (NKJV, emphasis mine).”

Parents are always teaching either godly or ungodly character (intentionally or unintentionally). Godly character is learned and should be intentionally taught from a young age.  Many Christian Moms may need a little help with how to do that.

I’m pretty sure that the government school teacher who gave the advice had no idea she was teaching parents biblical principles.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17