Godly Motherhood Tips

“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 6:6–7

I have to admit, lately I haven’t been the best mom. I have been quick to get angry, and haven’t been praying with or for my kids like I should. I have been really guilty lately and I feel like it is a good kind of guilt. A kind that the Holy Spirit gives. It’s called conviction. Sometimes guilt pushes us to do better, to be better, and to grow. It is good to recognize our weakness so we can become stronger and do better in areas that need work. For me, I know I can pray with my kids, and I know I can pray for them. I know I can teach them about God’s word but just haven’t put in the effort.

I love this verse in Deuteronomy… It talks about how we should teach God’s word to our children and talk about His words when we’re sitting at home, when we’re walking, when we go to bed and when we get up in the morning. It’s not just a one time thing, but it is a lifestyle. Bring the word of God into your lifestyle. So what are some practical ways we can teach the word of God to our children?

Talk About It

When you’re looking out the window talk about the beautiful creation God made. Talk about Genesis with them. I would say things like, “Wow! Look at those birds flying! Isn’t it so cool how God made birds to fly?” Make it exciting and have them notice small details about the creation around them. Let them fall in love with God and be in awe and wonder.

Read Stories

One of the most common ways to teach your kids about the word is to read it to them! There are so many resources out there with different styles of kid bibles you can read or bible story books for little ones. Depending on your Child’s age, read them certain passages and maybe have them color a picture or make a craft about what you’re reading.

In Moments Of Weakness Call On God Together

This is a new thing I am implementing with my daughter. She’s been having a lot of emotional outbursts and I haven’t been responding the way I’d like. So I am trying this instead. When they’re having a breakdown or tantrum, get down to their level, look them in the eye, and have them say what emotion they are feeling. I’ll use mad as an example. Have them repeat after you, “I am mad”. That helps them to understand what they are feeling. Then have them pray out loud with you, “God, I am mad, please help me to be happy and calm down.” Then have them take a few deep breaths in and out. I don’t know how this will work with other kids, (all kids are different), but when I did this with my daughter it really helped her calm down and I feel like it helped her to realize that in moments of weakness she can call out to Him for help. And let me tell you, it helped me to remember to call on Him when I am feeling weak as a parent. Never hurts to give this a try (depending on the situation).

Pray Pray Pray

Praying with your kids is crucial. I was pretty good at doing this as a part of our bedtime routine but haven’t been doing it lately. I am going to be doing it again thought because it is so important! Right before bed, after they get tucked in, have them say a pray with you. Whether they repeat after you, say their own prayer, or have one memorized, have them pray. And then, if you want, you pray for them out loud after they pray. Our kids need to understand the importance of prayer and how to communicate with the Father.

Live By Example

We can do all the tricks, pray all the prayers, and read all the books, but the one thing that will impact your kids the most is faithfulness and living by what you say. Do not be a hypocrite! Let God work in your life and be honest with your kids about your testimonies, and what God did in your life. It’s okay to mess up because we are human and we all fall short of God’s glory and sin every single day. But our kids need to see that we always run back to God and ask for forgiveness. Maybe you lost your temper and screamed at your kids. You can go and ask them for forgiveness. Kids are so forgiving and when they see us do that, it encourages them to do the same because non of us got it right. If your kids are older (maybe tween-teen) give them a chance to confess sins without punishment so they can feel like they can talk to you without being scolded. I know my parents did this for me and my siblings and it helped tremendously. We got one night a week to confess. They prayed with us and loved us through our struggles. Kids are not perfect, and neither are we. We all need God. Pursue God with your kids. The Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you. Just keep on running the race and raise some world changers. In this dark world we need our kids to be lights and to speak of the love of God to the broken and hurting. Be blessed mama, you’re doing a good job. Do not lose hope!

Written by Olivia Mancini