Lesson # 3: WATCH YOUR MOUTH, THEY ARE LISTENING

Since I became a father, and still learning to be a good father, I've been watching my mouth in front of my kids. It has been my belief that what they hear from me reflects on how they see me as a father.

Never did I bad mouthed even when I get angry. Which I haven't been doing as I grew in my Christian life. Though it didn't came that fast, my tongue was created anew by the Lord. I admit I was really really bad or should I say evil on how I speak. But praise the Lord, He made me change!

When it comes to promises, I am very careful on this. Especially, kids are very particular with a promise, they will never stop whining until they get what they want. And if they accepted it as a promise, a promise will always be promise. They will never stop hoping that one day, the promise will come true.

I also learned not to say a punishment that I could not do in reality. It weakens the authority when we say "I will do this to you," then you realizes that what you've said was impossible to do. When we say, "You are not going to have your dinner!" Then don't let them! Prove to them that what you've said will happen. And then they will learn.

Talking with someone while the kids are around must remind us not to talk on topics which are "for adults only." Talking about other people while the kids are listening is not good ethics. The kids might apply the same when they are talking to others also.

Kids need words of encouragement. I felt ashamed when one of my kids told me, with tears, "I am crying because you laughed at me." Even a "haha" discourages. Talking nice to my kids is now one of my motto.

Anyway, just be watchful. Be careful little tongue what you say! Our little kids are listening!

Lesson # 2: CLEARLY DEFINE HOUSE RULES

Children are very particular with our words. Whatever we say, they may use it for or against us. So, we must watch our tongues. House rules are the most watched and being tested by our kids. If they manage to break you into it, then they have succeeded to break it one day.

In our home, there are certain rules my kids should follow. Here are three examples:

1. Every food served on the table can always be eaten.
2. Obedience is better than high grades.
3. Prayer before sleeping is a must.

I believe these three will go along long way as my kids grow. And they are living with it. All of my kids eat vegetables. All kinds of vegetables. They don't complain of any food given to them. Actually they love eating... from veggies to meat.

I believe also that my kids are obedient compared to other kids. That's what others have observed. They may not be perfectly doing everything, yet I may say that they do follow what is asked of them.

My kids are good in praying. On the table, on the bed, during prayer meetings. And I could assign them to lead in prayer though they are still young. Praise the Lord!

They know what are the rules. And I have defined each of the rules. They are growing obedient children.