Reading a parenting book

So I am reading a parenting book called " Have a New Kid by Friday"

I was reading the workbook that goes along with the book and loved what it said.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Train = Training is different from teaching. Training suggests an ongoing process, practicing something over and over until you've got it down pat, and it has become a part of you. You keep at it.

Up = Too many parents train their children down instead of up. They speak for them, think for them, make decisions for them, fight their battles for them, and in so doing, they disable them. The scripture says train "up" a child. In other words, encourage that daughter to think for themselves, encourage that son to make good decisions and choices, and move along toward independence.

Child = Don't wait until your kids are adolescents or young adults. You've got to start the training early.

In the way = There are lots of ways a child can go these days, the choices are out there. What ever path the child chooses in life, it should be in harmony with God's path. As parents, we must acknowledge different possible paths for each child and train them accordingly.

He or she should go = This implies that we should discern the individuality and special "bent" that God has given each child. Parents should help each child develop his or her special abilities. Teachers, adult friends and grandparents can be a big help in that process.

And when he/she is old, he will not depart from it = It's much easier for kids to stay on the right path when they have been led to make right choices for themselves. Does that mean they will never foul up? No. But the guiding principle of Scripture is train them up right, and they will turn out right.

The word discipline suggests teaching and learning, not punishment and harsh consequences. Your home is a safe place for kids to get second chances and to foul up and make mistakes. No better place and no better people to make mistakes then your child's own home and parents.....a place where he is loved, accepted, and nurtured in.