Thoughts from the heart of Fran...

Fran Emmons You can read Fran's bio here.

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With horror I read an article in our daily newspaper of a young man who bludgeoned his Mother and Father to death. It is unfathomable! How does one come to such a place in life that he would do such a thing?

It emphasized again the need to teach right from wrong to your child. Parents should consider the rearing of a child of utmost importance. They need to understand that children learn in a variety of ways, through observation, teaching, life experiences, the media, etc.

In review, we have been discussing the formulation of family values. This fall we briefly examined the first four commandments. Now we look at the fifth commandment which is in Exodus 20:12. "Honor your Father and Mother that your days may be prolonged in the land which your God gives you". This is repeated many times in the Old Testament in various ways and at least six times in the New Testament.

So, the question follows for all Moms and Dads. Have you included this in the formulation of your family values. Are you teaching your children to honor and respect you?

Over these next couple of months, you will see some ways that you can teach your child respect for you and others. Please consider the following suggestions.

Dad and Mom must honor and respect each other.

Smart parents will realize that children learn as much from your behavior and actions as they do from direct teaching.

Smart parents will know that how they treat each other is often an indication of how they will be treated and how others will be treated by their child.

Smart parents will respect each other. They will do special, loving things for each other. They will put each other ahead of the demands of life. They will speak kindly and work through dissenting issues with respect and consideration.

If Dad is in the habit of putting down his wife, being overly critical, speaking harshly, abusing her physically, mentally or emotionally, causing distress, or any other despicable behavior, it will affect your child negatively. Your child will respond in one of two ways: Acting the same macho way toward Mom or future mate, or secretly hating Dad for what he does to Mom. (Eph. 6:4) (Eph. 5:25)

If Mom puts down Dad, arguing angrily, showing disrespect, ignoring his desires, making her self the authority in the home, or any other despicable behavior, it will affect your child negatively. Your child will respond in kind by not understanding the realm of authority that should be in every home. This will lead to future marriage conflicts for him/her. And, he/she may resent Mom and/or secretly side with Dad. (Eph. 5:22-24)

Smart parents will recognize that God is the head of the home. They will do what he says in His Word whether it is something they like or not. They will exercise self-discipline in their regard for others. They will learn each day to "bow the knee" to God, to trust Him, to obey Him, no matter how hard it is to do. For, He is still God. Ultimately He is in charge! He will bless those that honor Him.

Fran