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  1. Pingback: Consequences for the Littles | Cookeville Moms
  2. Kim, this is an amazing resource for parents. I’m often challenged with making my kids obey, but not always examining their hearts. I don’t ever want my kids obeying in outward appearance only. I want them to obey from the heart! And like you said, we as adults need that too!
    Thanks again for your profound words. I’ve included this resource in my recent post “10 Scripture-Based Prayers for Children” http://healthychristianhome.com/2018/09/19/prayers-for-children/
    God bless.

  3. While this all sounds like a good idea, I mean, who doesn’t want a kid that obeys, I can’t help seeing a lot of dangers in teaching blind obedience of “any other authority in their lives”. There will be figures of authority that don’t care about you. What about a crooked cop? What happens when a teacher at school takes advantage of this obedience to sexually assault a child, or even in a church? What about when the federal law says “aborting” a live born child is okay? I attempt to teach my child to obey those they love and trust, like God and family, and put love and trust in a special place. I guess all other laws and rules to be obeyed are more so just humored. I can’t help but wonder where Christians would be today had early followers of the faith blindly obeyed authority…..

    1. I have had the same concern. We have employed many aspects of gentle (or positive) parenting, which places great emphasis on relationships and connections as a basis for obedience. And I’ve been talking to our four year old a lot about obedience. I’ve started explaining to her that as a Jesus follower, she needs to obey mom and dad because God has put us here to keep her safe and teach her what’s right. She seems to understand and appreciate that. She’s very strong willed and I believe that’s going to be a leadership quality, but right now we talk a lot about cooperation and I have told her that if anyone is trying to get her to do something wrong or dangerous, she can be stubborn then. But when mom and dad are giving her a direction, it is for her good and she needs to obey right away.
      We have a great book called “God Made All of Me” that helps young kids understand about protecting their bodies in toxic situations. We read it with her from time to time. It’s important that she understands that someone isn’t to be obeyed just because they’re bigger. You’re right— that could be even an older child with dangerous intent. When she’s older we can tackle things like crooked authority. I plan to teach her what toxic leadership looks like, as I think it is important that she recognizes it so she doesn’t think that’s ok and doesn’t imitate that. But I also know she will need to know how to navigate that carefully and with honor, for the Lord’s sake and as His witness. I trust the Holy Spirit will guide all of us when it’s time to teach our kids these trickier lessons.

    2. I dont think he ever mentioned “blind obedience” in fact he went over the Why in fact The Whole premise of this article is teaching children to understand obedience..not just demanding it..and seems like this author is a careful and loving parent and probably explains to them why we obey certain rules..What about the child who never learns to obey authority and ends up being shot and loosing their life because they cant put their hands up or remain in the vehicle, Im pretty sure most children are aware of basic rules of school and society and those don’t usually have anything to do with someone manipulating or assalting them, in fact I can see this happening much more to children who are not taught properly, who are left to their own devices and not properly guided through life. A child who is obedient to rules and thier parents is not more at risk than a rebellious one a disobedient child will sneak out of the house, will do the drugs and all the things that will lead to a wrecked and ruined life..

  4. Wonderful, no words to compare. Please send me weekly activities for children and teens. Much love.

  5. Could this study be used with a 4 year old or is it geared towards older kids?

    Thanks!

    1. Our primary level begins with age 4, so it sounds like this would work for your child!

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