Earlier this week, we talked about setting rules and boundaries. After you work on the rules, it’s important to have rewards for obedience.
“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands…All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 NIV).
In disciplining children, there are two important things for parents to do:
1. Set rules for them to follow
2. Have rewards for their obedience to those rules
Incentive is a good thing, and rewards are important. Kids need some kind of reward, even if it’s just a little sticker on a chart. It just helps their lives go on a little smoother. Find something to give them as a reward, but be sure it’s something you can afford.
As your children learn to walk in obedience to godly principles, trust God to reward them as well. Rewards are scriptural, and Hebrews 11:6 says that even God gives rewards. He’ll prove Himself to them, and they’ll begin to see from an early age that it pays to obey.
RAISING A WISE CHILD
Our children’s ability to make wise decisions (and be obedient) is directly related to the amount of God’s Word they have in their heart. Even before they can read, start telling them what their Heavenly Father says about them. That’s a great way to start.
Get the MP3 and learn more about “Raising a Wise Child”
THE TAKE AWAY
Read Deuteronomy chapter 28 with your children, and talk to them about the blessings of obedience. Reward your children when they obey the rules you’ve set. The reward doesn’t have to be big, just something to let them know obedience brings rewards.
