02.11.12 GPS for Families

GPS for Families

Research links the lack of self-control to addiction, bad health, debt, procrastination, eating disorders, and more. The lack of self-control breaks down walls of protection, prevents the spirit from working in you, and exposes you to things that can destroy your future.

But don’t buy into the myth that you can’t teach self-control because it’s a part of how a child’s personality is wired. Most experts agree that anyone can learn self-control. It’s not easy…it has to be intentionally and continually developed. But just like you would use your skill to build a wall back in places that are broken, you can build more self-control into your home. You can help your kids learn self control by:

• Implementing a consistent structure and schedule
• Pursuing moderation in eating, playing video games, TV, and computer usage
• Establishing a system for homework and chores
• Instilling financial habits of giving and saving
• Practicing delayed gratification when it comes to purchasing or acquiring items for your kids, and teaching them to actually “shop” instead of buy

It’s like mental gymnastics; practice helps. Ultimately though, a strong role model is key. Maybe you need to sit down as a family to develop new patterns for all of you. If you do not practice the habits above, you will have a tough time enforcing them with your kids. Then pray specifically for the fruit of the spirit to become evident in your life.

Weekly Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.