Getting Better in Parenting: Order in the House

Pastor Mike discussed having Order in the House, in this month's series on Parenting. The lesson focused on Authority: established authority; sensible authority; regulatory authority; nurturing; and instructional authority.

• Established Authority

1. Clear, established authority
2. How kids treat us is how they will treat others
3. Homes need a big parental authority. 
4. Small parenting equates to likability. Parents want to be liked. Parents want to be cool
5. Morals and opinions should not change, based on public opinion
6. We will still be in slavery if there was a public opinion poll. Parents will not always be liked

• Sensible Authority

1. Be sensible and not irrational. Do before thinking.
2. Don't provoke kids to anger
3. Don't be overly protective
4. Do think about actions. Can cause disrespect and withdrawal

• Nurturing Authority

1. Parents are responsible for spiritual and physical nourishment. 
2. Parents are also responsible for secular education and intellectual development. 
3. Can not blame development on school system or church or other third parties. 
4. Parents can develop own methods to teach kids
5. Parents are also responsible for kids health and social development.
6. Kids need balanced development. 
7. If you think your kids are doing good, don't brag, but give Glory to God. You don't know what the kids are doing behind your back. 

• Regulatory Authority

1. Be a regulator, not a follower
2. Set up boundaries
3. You control the rhythm and the flow of your house

• Instructional Authority

1. Identify false information
2. Stop and explain false information
3. May have to change child's teachers to prevent false information
4. Children need to obey parents. They are not that cute and funny. 
5. Stop laughing at stuff they do if they are wrong
6. Determine what type of information you are giving to the kids. 
7. Monitor information you are giving your kids.
8. Explain biblical stuff even when government or social and cultural norms says different. For example, the bible says homosexuality is wrong but social norms say different. 
9. Don't assume kids will know the difference between truthful and false information
10. The bible is the governing document