Being a Good Example

The first step in training your child is to set a good example.

"If you want to teach your child how to handle money," says Dr. Bob Barnes, "you need to set an example in that yourself. If you want to teach your child how to handle sexuality, then as a single parent you can teach that lesson better than anybody else. You need to stay pure."

Your children are watching how you handle problems, how you react to new situations, how you communicate with other people, and how you show love. Your example in their lives is crucial for their development. Ask God to help you to recognize where you are having difficulties and to help you change for the better.

Sometimes you will have to humble yourself and apologize to your children or to other people. This is difficult, but so important. God wants adults to become like little children by following their example of humility, love, sincerity, and joy.

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me'" (Matthew 18:1-5).