In my experience, nothing in life is successful without God. He is eagerly waiting to give wisdom and guidance to whoever calls upon Him for help (Jeremiah 33: 3). Therefore, the first step will be to admit that you need help and that you are ready to co-operate with God to guide you through this process.
The next most important step is to pray about everything. Prayer is just talking to God the way you would talk to a very good friend – without reservations. Right from when our first son was born, I could vividly remember praying each time before breast feeding him. When he started to have some solid foods, I would make sure he hears me pray aloud before giving him his food. As he grew older and was able to eat by himself, because he was used to seeing/hearing me pray, he was able to mumble some few words of prayer. This then became a natural habit for him to gradually learn to pray each time before eating. Children always learn by examples so it is imperative that they see us doing it.
Few words of prayer before going to bed at night is also very helpful for them to appreciate the fact that God has been the One watching over them during the day and will continue to keep them safe as they sleep (Psalms 4:8). This will take away fear and give them the confidence and security they need . I must say at this point that patience is something everyone should have when dealing with children. There were days when my children were not interested in whatever I have to offer such as reading a bible story or other story books but would rather just go straight to sleep or play games. As a mum, this is where my creative knowledge comes into play. So, I invented a “Thank You” game that indirectly made them thank God for each of the body part (eyes, nose, legs, etc.) they have used throughout the day and that became a pattern they were very interested in. Prayer time should not be a rigid experience but an enjoyable one so that they will always look forward to it. As they grow up, the prayer sessions and style eventually changes according to their age.
There is a book called Wonderful You by Linda and Alan Perry that our children loved so much as it explained how wonderful and unique God has made each child. Going through this book with them made them realise that even with the billions of people in the world, there is no one just like each one of them – each person is different and unique. This really helped them not to compete or envy each other as they grew up.
As parents, my husband and I try not to compare our children with each other or to other children. Making your children feel unique and special from the very beginning gives them so much confidence and brings out the best in them. God who created us has done a very good job and David the Psalmist put it quiet clearly in Psalms 139: 13-14 NKJV “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are Your works and that my soul knows very well”.
There are no perfect parents. No matter how much you try, there will be days when you feel discouraged and overwhelmed but be assured that God is always behind you. There were days when I felt so overwhelmed and tired but one way or the other, God always encouraged and reassured me that He is watering the seeds grown. I can now look back and truly believe that He has been all along and He is continuing.
We were currently blessed with a lovely grand-daughter this year (2022) and when our daughter was relating how she sings “Good morning Jesus” to the baby in her tummy each morning while having her quiet time, gave me great hope that God is doing what He said He would do. Now that the baby is born and the song is sang each time, the look on her (baby’s)face tells it all – Praise God!! So, relax, be filled with prayers and enjoy this wonderful journey of being a godly parent.
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