Faith based parenting tips: ways to get your kids to listen

### Practical Faith-Based Parenting Tips for When Your Kids Don’t Listen

Parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when it feels like your little ones have suddenly decided that listening is optional. In these moments, it’s essential to turn to practical strategies that not only encourage cooperation but also nurture their development. Here are some faith-based parenting tips to help you navigate those tricky times when your kids don’t listen.

#### 1. Model Behavior

Children learn by example. If you want them to show respect, kindness, and patience, demonstrate those behaviors in your interactions with them and others. Your actions speak louder than words and will encourage them to mimic what they see.

#### 2. Use Positive Reinforcement

Praise is a powerful tool. When you notice your child exhibiting good behavior, acknowledge it! A simple, heartfelt compliment like "I love how you put your toys away" can motivate them to continue making positive choices.

#### 3. Stay Calm and Collected

When tensions rise, it’s easy to react emotionally. However, taking a moment to breathe and respond calmly can set a positive tone for the interaction. Your calmness can help de-escalate the situation and encourage your children to do the same.

#### 4. Incorporate Faith Teachings

Utilize teachings from your faith to illustrate important values and lessons. Sharing stories that relate to their everyday experiences makes these lessons relevant and helps them understand the world around them.

#### 5. Create Routines

Establishing consistent routines gives children a sense of security and predictability. When they know what to expect, they are more likely to follow through with tasks and feel comfortable in their environment.

#### 6. Listen Actively

Showing your kids that you value their thoughts and feelings is crucial. By actively listening when they speak, you encourage open communication and foster an environment where they feel heard and respected.

#### 7. Use Gentle Reminders

Instead of issuing commands or raising your voice, try gentle reminders. A soft touch on the shoulder or a calm prompt can be more effective than shouting and can help maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

#### 8. Pray Together

Engaging in prayer with your children can strengthen your bond and reinforce shared values. This practice not only nurtures their spiritual growth but also encourages cooperation and understanding within the family.

#### 9. Set Realistic Expectations

Understand your child's developmental stage and set age-appropriate expectations. This awareness can help reduce frustration for both you and your child, making it easier to navigate daily challenges.

#### 10. Be Consistent

Consistency is key in parenting. By being consistent in your responses and expectations, you help your children understand boundaries and reinforce their learning.

### Conclusion

By applying these practical faith-based parenting tips, you can foster a more cooperative and understanding relationship with your children. Remember, parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs, but with patience, love, and a little guidance, you can instill important values that will last a lifetime. Embrace the moments, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey!

Resisting the devil

Resisting the devil means standing against his attacks, refusing to give in to his advances. How are believers to do that? First and fundamentally, writes James, they are to draw near to God. Isn’t that a rich phrase, a provocative image? God’s children are to approach Him, move toward Him, live in His fellowship. They are to meet every pressure to abandon the Lord with fresh purpose to draw near Him and walk with Him.

“It’s common knowledge that ‘God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.’ So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.” James 4:6-10 MSG

The trap: a devotional

According to the Bible, Satan is alive and well, constantly trying to trip us up. Peter writes in 1 Peter 5:8, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Satan wants to have us, and he will use every trick he can think of to try to make us untrue to God. And the closer we live to the Lord, the harder Satan will attack. He comes to us when we are weak. He comes to us when we are down. And he tries to take us away from God.

In the words of James, we have to “resist the devil.” But to resist Satan we have to first acknowledge that he is real. We have to realize that he wants to destroy us.

We also have to know our own weaknesses when it comes to resisting Satan. Every day we need to pray as Christ taught us: “Rescue us every time we face tribulation and set us free from evil…” (Matthew 6:13 TPT).