Children Emulate Their Parents: A 3-Day Parenting PlanSample

Know Where You’re Going

"Those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness." (Proverbs 14:22)

Early in their marriage, FamilyLife ministry cofounders Dennis and Barbara Rainey decided to go away for a weekend. Their goal was more than a couple of days of relaxation. Separately, they each created a list of values that they wanted to one day teach their children. After making their lists, Dennis and Barbara came together and settled on their top five family values. That project was a wonderful time of sharing for the Raineys that also established “true north” for their journey as parents. In later years, Dennis and Barbara had a written record to refer to when child-rearing issues arose. Dennis still carries that dog-eared piece of paper with him wherever he goes.

Whether you write your values list on paper or in your heart, it’s important to recognize where you are leading your family. As Yogi Berra once said, “You got to be very careful if you don’t know where you’re going because you might not get there.” Your children will discover and embrace the values that matter—love for each other, kindness, integrity, and devotion to God—only if you have the right map to lead them there. Choose your values wisely (see examples in Matthew 7:12; Romans 12:9–13; 1 Corinthians 16:13–14; 2 Peter 1:5–7)—then stay on the trail!

Questions for Today . . .

• Do you have a plan for leading your family?
• What are your family’s top five values?
• Are you passing on your values to your kids?
• How can you do a better job of this?

Prayer . . .

Lord Jesus, apart from You, I wouldn’t even know where to start. Help me to lead my children; help me to set the pace toward a godly life. Show me what You value most so that I might live those values within our home…and before a watching world. In Your strong name, amen.

(Excerpted from Dr. James and Shirley Dobson’s book, Night Light for Parents. Used with permission.)

Bonus Content: Faith Talk

Our kids learn our bad traits easily. We don't even have to teach them (and hopefully we won't). We tend to think our kids will learn the good things we believe in the same easy way. But that's not how it works.