[ Step 1 ] [ Step 2 ] [ Step 3 ] [ Step 4 ] [ Step 5 ] [ Step 6 ] [ Step 7 ] [ Step 8 ] [ Step 9 ] [ Step 10 ]

Learn How to Parent

If you have children, you already know the chaos and confusion that can reign in your home!  Parenting is tough work, and many times, I've been ready to call it quits.  

However, if your children have learned to be obedient and respectful, much of the chaos goes away.  If you aren't sure how to get your children to listen to you, I'd like you to read this article:

Five Pointers for Disciplining Children

I would also like to encourage you to take some time in the next few days to read completely through this website for advice (it took me a little over 2 hours to read it all, and what a blessing it was!):

www.raisinggodlytomatoes.com

I'm sure you'll find, as you work through these steps and as your marriage improves, your house gets cleaner, and you feel more organized, it will become easier to focus on your parenting abilities.  Right now, though, pull out the time schedule you made in Step Two.  Have you included the following:

• naps for each of your preschool children?

• three nutritious meals a day, plus snacks as needed?

• time for regular baths and getting kids' teeth brushed?

• time for playing outside and getting necessary exercise?

• a time to play with them, read books to them and snuggle?

• time to teach them necessary life skills, such as chores?

As I've said before, planning will go a long way toward helping you reach your goals.  

Now you need to add the following books to your "reading list":

On Becoming Childwise, by Gary Ezzo and Robert Buckman

Creative Family Times, by Allen Hadidian

If you also happen to be a homeschooling family (or wish you were), you need to also add the following books to your list -- because you realize what a big job you're taking on!

How to Homeschool:  A Practical Approach, by Gayle Graham

The Three R's, by Ruth Beechick

Let's go on to Step Six...