Raising Godly Kids in Today's Culture with Stacy Mintz

Parenting includes every emotion known to man - from exhilaration to exhaustion, pride to panic, frustration to pure fascination - the list could go on and on because each new day and each new stage brings something new.  But the one remaining constant from newborn to adulthood and beyond is the responsibility God gives us to not only set a good example for our children but to train them up to be able to live IN the world but not be OF the world while being a light TO the world.  It is a HUGE responsibility.  One we cannot take lightly.   Here are some highlights from the hints Stacy Mintz gave Titus 2:4 Women when she spoke.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM STACY''S HELPFUL HINTS:

1. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Seek, listen and obey.  Most of these issues are 'disputable' matters without clear directives in Scripture stating it is right or wrong.  It can vary for each home and each situation.  (Permissive versus beneficial)
2. Do NOT give in to "peer pressure" - it exists even in Christian parenting circles.  Just because every other child is going to that movie or reading that book doesn't mean it is right for your child.  Remind them that you love them.
3. In the Mintz home, no R rated movies.  Pretty much, no PG-13 movies until you turn 13; then it is a case by case decision.  The couple of PG-13 movies they saw prior to age 13, one of us would go to the teater and watch it firt before giving our permission.  Honestly, it was a pain in the neck, but God has given them into our are to guide and to guard their hearts and minds. Redbox and 'fat forwarding' is great, although it can provide a license to rent movies you probably shouldn't
4. Give yourself permission to invest in guarding and training your kids spiritually.  Great books, DVDs,, CDs do cost money...and often are not available at the library.  Most parents have no problem writing a check for several hundred dollars to a soccer league since their child will be a star, invest financially int he spiritual development of your child also.  Swap with other moms.
5. Prepare your child to conbat the culture.  Prior to sleepovers, give them a 'code or/phrase' they can use with you if they feel uncomfortable and need to come home.  Practice with them what to do if they get in an inappropriate situation.  Tell them to call you if they are unsure about a movie.  
6. Middle school/teenage years especially, try to keep on hand books and movies that are appropriate.  Group of kids will be over and want to watch a movie.  I stock up on books when Lifeway has their sale.  (Think creatively: old movies, Ghost and Mr. Chicken/ Bella ...)
7. Shopping/Materialism:  Shopping can become a "hobby" for kids, which wastes time and money. Starting in the middle school years, be proactive.  Before leaving the house, ask them to make a list of what is needed.  Ask them to decide what is a reasonable amount to spend on each item.  tick to the lsit.  Pray aloud with the child that God will direct your time and energies on the way to the stores or as soon as you arrive.
8. If our kids can learn alagebra in school, then they have the ability to learn Hebrews in church.  Set your expectations high for your kids.  Expose them to men's/women's conferences/Bible studies at an early age (middle/high school).  When I carpooled (middle school/high school), my kids listened to Family Life with me everyday at 7 am on the way to school.  Unless it was a topic like intimacy, they listened...even if marriage or something.
9. Parents of boys: pray for wisdom when it comes to decisions regarding sports.  Try to keep an eternal perspective with regards to time and money to invest.  I have met MANY parents who see SPORTS as the answer for the child in terms of popularity, fitting in with other kids, staying out of trouble...when the tru answer to security is Christ.  
10. Guard against our culture's "superkid" mentality that results an overscheduled kids with stressed out moms who have to prepare them by starting piano lessons at 4 years old to ensure they get into the "best" school in order to land the "perfect" job".  Your children are only in your care for a limited time; one day, you will wish that you had spent more downtime with them.  
11. Teach your kids to be selfless by serving others -- coounteract the 'me" mentality.  Let them volunteer at Fall Festival for an hour, work at Jessies's Place, visit a nursing home, help out at church etc.  Ask Pastor Chuck if there is anything they can do to help.

by Stacy Mintz