Susannah Wesley's Rules for Raising Children

John and Charles Wesley founders of Methodism and great evangelical Christians gave much credit to their mother Susannah Wesley for her godly influence in their lives. In her later years she gained a measure of fame as the mother of those great men. Before she died she was asked of many people how she was able to raise not one but two great men for God. Thus, she gave her "Rules for Raising Children."

Susannah Wesley's Rules for Raising Children:

1. Subdue self-will in a child and thus work together with God to save his soul

2. Teach him to pray as soon as he can speak.

3. Give him nothing he cries for and only what is good for him if he asks for it politely.

4. To prevent lying, punish no fault which is freely confessed, but never allow a rebellious, sinful act to go unnoticed.

5. Command and reward good behavior.

6. Strictly observe all promises you have made to your child.

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I thought this was good and really liked #4 and 6. It is easy to tell your children you will do something (with the intentions of doing it) and forget. They don't forget though! Our pastor encourages us to ask our children periodically, especially if you are dealing with bad attitudes, if we have made a promise to them that we didn't keep. You will be surprised at the little things that they remember that you have totally forgotten!

We were having our family Bible time a few nights ago and Marc was teaching out of Proverbs. Mariah quietly said, "Great, I think I have probably done every one of those things." We thought it was funny, but to her she was burdened by it. Yesterday I found a bracelet that had the word "kindness" on it. I told her to wear it and whenever she wanted to be unkind to someone to read the bracelet as a reminder to be kind. Last night at Bible time she asked for forgiveness for: "Whatever I did today, I am sure I did something. The bracelet didn't help me a bit!" We never have to worry about what is going on in the heart of Mariah because she will tell us!

We try to have one on one time with our children as much as we can. It might be a shopping trip and out to eat with mama and daddy on Friday night or just a trip to Lowes with daddy. It is amazing when they are by themselves how much they talk! We don't do it as often as we should, but Marc thought this was a good week for Mariah to have an outing. He took her out last night for ice cream. Kids are great, it doesn't have to cost much for them to be happy! :o)

Calling to see when daddy will pick her up.


Waiting patiently...