Intentional Parenting: 5 Steps To Guide Our Children According to God’s Word For Parenting Success

In this fast-paced and instant world we live in, intentional parenting or parenting itself has become a challenging yet essential endeavor. It requires hard work which, among other things, makes it one of the hardest jobs on earth. One timeless guide that provides profound insights into parenting is God’s word. It makes perfect sense that people would come to the Bible for instructions about parenting. Not only does God’s Word offer sound advice for raising and leading children, but it offers wisdom and encouragement for parents who are at the end of their rope. In this blog post, we will take about the concept of intentional parenting and aligning our parenting practices with the teachings found in the Bible.

Being Intentional (Proverbs 22:6, NIV)

Think of Proverbs 22:6 as a friendly reminder for parents: Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.‘ This verse emphasizes the importance of early and intentional guidance in a child’s life, suggesting that the values and teachings instilled during childhood can have a lasting impact into adulthood. It encourages parents and caregivers to provide a strong moral and spiritual foundation for children, believing that such upbringing will influence their behavior even as they grow older. But we need to get it right. This verse is about being intentional in parenting, not a guarantee.

What it means is, parents should have a plan. Whether you want your kids to follow Jesus or just be good people, you need to be purposeful about it. Decide what kind of adults you want them to become and lead them that way.

But here’s the thing: Proverbs usually gives advice, not promises. So, even if you raise two kids in the same way, they might turn out differently. But understanding the principle in the scripture helps shape our approach to raising our children.

Portraying a Godly Character

Intentional parenting involves not just instructing our children with words but also demonstrating Godly character through our actions. Ephesians 6:4 encourages fathers to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. By embodying qualities like patience, kindness, and forgiveness, we create an environment where our children can witness the transformative power of living according to God’s word.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.  
Ephesians 6 (ESV)

The verse advises parents to avoid actions that might provoke or exasperate their children, instead encouraging a nurturing environment that includes discipline and instruction based on the teachings of the Lord.

Prayer as a Powerful Parenting Tool

Prayer is a potent practice that connects us with the divine. Intentional parenting involves not only teaching our children to pray but also regularly praying for and with them. Seeking guidance from God through prayer helps us navigate the challenges of parenting and reinforces our commitment to raising our children in accordance with His word.

While this verse may not explicitly mention parenting, it emphasizes the power of prayer in addressing life’s challenges and anxieties. In the context of parenting, it suggests that through prayer, parents can seek guidance, wisdom, and peace in their journey, trusting that God’s peace will guard their hearts and minds as they navigate the responsibilities of raising children.

Setting Boundaries with love

God’s word provides a blueprint for setting boundaries out of love, not out of control. Intentional parents establish clear expectations for their children while consistently offering love, guidance, and support. Ephesians 6:1-3 highlights the importance of children obeying their parents and the promise of a long life for those who honor their father and mother.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (this is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. 
Ephesians 6:1-3 ESV 

Intentional Parenting – Build your child up in the Word of God

In my view, this stands out as the most crucial intentional parenting principle because children aren’t products of human creation; rather, they are precious gifts from God. It’s vital to impart the Word of God to your child right from the womb. Begin by recognizing the child as a divine gift, a principle that proved significant in sustaining our only daughter through the challenges of pregnancy. Lay your hands on the womb and offer prayers for the unborn child.

As a father, extend your hands to your wife’s womb, praying for both the child and the mother. God’s words hold life! From the moment of birth, guide them in God’s ways through His teachings. Demonstrate how to live according to God’s path and be there to steer them back if they seem to deviate. Instill the practice of prayer, study God’s words together, and dedicate quality time to Him and His House. Teach them not to claim ownership of God’s gift but to recognize that everything they have is a blessing from God. Encourage them to use their talents for the glory of God, the true owner.

Conclusion

As I conclude this discussion, I want to stress the immense effort required in raising a child. Intentional Parenting is a responsibility that cannot and should not be delegated to someone else. Your perception of your child significantly influences how you nurture and guide them.
I hope that, from this moment forward, you will see your child as a treasure, a rare gem, a unique and special individual destined to fulfill a purpose on this earth. As you fulfill your role, it is my sincere prayer that our children will realize their destiny in accordance with God’s Word.

To delve deeper into intentional parenting and discover effective ways to guide your children, I recommend exploring this resource available on Amazon.

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