Here we go! Start with kids.

Well, well. I guess we will finally do it. I have been thinking about this for years. I really wanted to write a book so this may be the precursor to that. We'll. I am going to follow (hopefully and unless I get on a soapbox) the outline below in doing the blogs:
1. Why did you have kids anyway? Or, were you really wanting a dolly to play with!
2. How do you love them? Remember, when you have kids you give up many rights in deference to bringing up that child. Period. Your primary job is child rearing that child to be what God wants them to be not what you want them to be; not selfish ambition or self pleasure.
a. Does God love them?
b. Don't change stuff. Kids like things to stay the same it builds security. God never changes!
3. Bringing them up 0-5 years (might take a couple of blogs)
a. When should or should they have an allowance.
b. Responsibility. When and how to teach it.
4. Bringing them up5-10 years (might take several blogs)
5. Bringing the rest of the way up.
6. Do what you say because your actions speak louder than words, really!
7. Say I am sorry when you screw up and you will. Ask for forgiveness and you will teach it.
8. You are the example. Doing says more than saying.
9. Cussing, drinking and smoking and, generally being rude, crude and socially unacceptable.
10. How to deal with their teachers.
11. What about God, church and Sunday School (or whatever you call small group Bible study).
12. How much do you help them?
a. When they are little
b. When they are middle
c. When they are big.
13. How do you pray for them. If you don't, shame on you.
14. What about SEX! When do you tell them and how to tell them.
15. What about dating. Boys get what you can, girls don't offer anything. The double standard.
16. Who is the adult here anyway?
17. You are not their friends, yet. Some day you will be, but before they are 18, you are
the parent and the only adult. Act like it for Pete's sake and for their sake.

The format we are going to use is "Smart Parent" and "Stupid Parent". It is all based on our sound philosophy, the Bible, examples from life and our own experience with 2 boys and 4 grand children (1 boy and 3 girls and girls are different and vice versa). We will always ask for your comments and will be happy to answer any questions either directly or through this blog. If you make a comment, I will receive an e-mail to allow the posting of the comment. If you want a private answer, just say so and we will do it either by e-mail or in person (or by phone if you wish. Remember phones. They were great!).

Thanks for blogging with us. You can talk to me or my wife or both. Just specify.