Do you struggle with a disobedient child? Or perhaps just wonder how to consistently teach children obedience in the first place? We want our children to have a heart of obedience because it is in their best interest: it keeps them from running into traffic, from hurting themselves or others, and from bringing avoidable consequences in their lives. We want our kids to learn obedience not just because it’s more convenient for us (although that’s nice too) but because, according to the Bible, things will go well with them if they do.
When our children fall into a habit of disobedience, disrespect, and defiance, it is usually because we let it happen. Ouch, right? Still, I know that this is most often true in my own parenting, and seems to be typical for other parents as well.
Why? Because parenting is hard. It’s emotionally, physically, and spiritually stretching and often we (I) just go for the easy way. It’s easier in the moment to ignore a small gesture of defiance, distract a disobedient child instead of disciplining and training them, or use bribes or threats to get them in line so you can just get through the afternoon.
The big problem is, it doesn’t work. Sure, we’ve averted the crisis or inconvenience for the moment, but at the same time we’re teaching them that disobedience is actually a great way to get what they want. We’re reinforcing the behavior we try so hard to discourage.
Here’s the thing: Teaching and training our kids to obey is not easy and it takes time. However, it does get easier as we develop the habit in ourselves of consistent and immediate instruction and/or discipline. Training ourselves in this way is, in fact, the hardest part.
The good news is that there are tools, resources, and tips that can help us in this worthwhile effort to teach children obedience. Not to mention the ever-present and precious assistance of the Holy Spirit.
A Heart of Obedience Family Bible Study
A Heart of Obedience helps you teach children obedience. It is a family Bible study that takes you through valuable teaching tips, biblical principles, and sets up a unit study of sorts for you to use to teach children obedience. Here’s what it includes:
- 5-days of lessons on obedience: prayer, devotion, scripture memorization, coloring sheets, copywork, activities, and suggestions for further study.
- A Heart of Obedience Notebook your child completes that will help reinforce the lessons and serve as a fantastic review of what has been learned.
- For use with the FREE Trust and Obey hymn study, which also includes devotions, copywork, lyric and sheet music, and more!
This set of lessons are ones our family has gone through several times and will likely do so several more. Obedience is not easy for adults, let alone children, but we are doing them a great service by teaching them to follow biblical obedience. Be prayerful as you prepare and teach these lessons. God will give you the wisdom and discernment you need!
by Stephanie, The Multi Taskin' Mom
This Post Has 18 Comments
Carrie Neahring
7 Nov 2016This study came at the right time for my family. This is so important for not just my kids but all kiddos.I just might have to work it into my Jr. Church as well! Thank you so much for this. My prayer is that it will help touch my kids hearts as well as the hearts of anyone else who uses it. Thank you so much!
Tauna
8 Nov 2016You are so welcome! I’m glad it’s a blessing to you 🙂
Melissa
31 Jan 2017I can’t find where to download the family obedience study. Could someone tell me how to access it? Or email to Melissapilcher@ymail.com ? Thank you!
Lisa
7 Nov 2016Thank you! I have been trying to put together something like this for my youngest kids and it was taking a lot of time. What a blessing!
Tauna
8 Nov 2016I understand! So glad it’s helpful. 🙂
Amy
8 Nov 2016Thank you for making this study available to all!
Tauna
8 Nov 2016You’re welcome Amy!
Amy
8 Nov 2016Thank you for the free download!
Laura
10 Nov 2016Thank you so much for sharing with us! 🙂
Tauna
11 Nov 2016Absolutely!
April
11 Nov 2016God bless you. Thank you. 🙂
Tauna
11 Nov 2016You’re welcome!
Rachel
11 Nov 2016So excited to do this with my children. Thanks for providing it free this week.
Tauna
11 Nov 2016You are so welcome!
kendell
13 Nov 2016Thanks so much for sharing your files, they are really appreciated
Tracy
11 Feb 2017What age group is this aimed at?
Tauna
12 Feb 2017I’d say pre-k through 4th
Flor Slezak
30 Aug 2017This Study looks amazing! I purchased irbid last year and only got into day 1! Life got in the way and I gave up. I hope to start it again as our school year starts.