A Mother's Heart // 16 Rules For Raising My Children

Being a Mother 

Since becoming a mother to my three beautiful children, I have realized that the single most important thing I desire for them is to fulfill God’s perfect design and destiny for their lives. Some may wonder why my desire for them isn’t to have the most toys on the block, to be popular among their peers, or even grow up and become millionaires. Although there is nothing wrong with having toys (and they do have a lot) or having lots of money, the Bible tells us in Matthew what is truly most important.

Matthew 6:19-21, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

Treasure in Heaven 

As a mother, it is my responsibility to train my child to store her treasure in heaven and to help her discern right from wrong. This is a responsibility, that without the help and strength of the Lord, I believe is virtually impossible for me to do. As I put my children in God’s hands and trust Him to lead me as I lead them, I truly believe that His perfect plans for their lives will come to pass! I praise God that His promises are, "Yes and Amen!"

Proverbs 22:6 (NLT), "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it."

Wanting More 

Since my husband and I desire to have six children of our own and then to possibly adopt six more throughout our life, I have also set my heart to learn and glean from other woman of God who have gone before me and raised their children to change the world for God. Suzanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley who founded the Methodist Movement, was the youngest child of 25 children and she herself had 19 children.

Through much adversity, she dedicated her life to instilling a sense of Christian destiny into each one of them. Suzanna had sixteen rules that she laid down in her home in order to honor God and instill discipline into her children’s lives.  And after seeing the fruit of her labor produce children like John and Charles- who changed the world through discipleship, I hope to do the same. 

After reading her rules I felt very refreshed and focused on the important task that God has given to me in raising my children- making disciples of Jesus Christ. Here is a list of rules that I have compiled from Suzanna’s list as well as some rules I have implemented from my own child-rearing routine.  I pray you are blessed and refreshed as much as I was.

Sixteen Rules for Raising My Children  

 

1. Practice Scripture memorization everyday.
2. As children they are to be in bed by 8 p.m.
3. They are required to take medicine without complaining.
4. Subdue self-will in a child, to save the child’s soul.
5. Teach a child to pray as soon as they can speak.
6. Require all children to be still during family devotions.
7. Give them nothing that they cry for, and only that when asked for politely.
8. To prevent lying, punish no fault, which is first confessed and repented of.
9. Never allow a sinful act to go unpunished.
10. Choices should be limited until at least the preteen years. (ex: clothing chosen for attire for the child, should not be complained about by the child.)
11. Commend and reward good behavior.
12. Children should ask for permission before leaving the kitchen table.
13. Strictly observe all promises made to the children.
14. Teach children to fear the rod.
15. Whining is not allowed under any circumstances.
16. Children are to help with chores around the house at a young age to learn importance of responsibility.

Proverbs 19:18 (NLT), "Discipline your children while there is hope.  Otherwise you will ruin their lives."