Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

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Growing Out of Childish Reactions
volume 105, Program 17
6/21/2011

If you’ve ever parented a toddler… or a 10-year-old… or a teenager, you’ve experienced it: frustration. Hurt feelings. Anger. We know these reactions are not ideal—but is it humanly possible to parent without them? Author and teacher Martha Peace offers an alternative today on Home School Heartbeat with Mike Farris.

Mike Farris:
Martha, when we parent children, we’re parenting human beings who are, by definition, not always wise. At least, not yet. Often, it’s really tempting to react to our children’s foolishness in kind. What does the Bible have to say about all that? How can we consistently react with grace?

Martha Peace:
Well, we have to know the Word of God, and we have to hide it in our hearts. And in Romans 12, it talks about not being conformed to thinking like this world thinks, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

I’ll give you an example. When our son David was little, it was easy for me to be impatient with him, and frustrated with things he was doing. And when I found James 1, verse 20, it says, “The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” And I started thinking about that when I would feel frustrated or irritated with David, and it just revolutionized my emotions as well as my reaction to him.

Mike:
Martha, this is such an encouraging and liberating message—parents need to hear how the grace of God can help them raise their children in love, truth, and confidence. I’m Mike Farris.

Martha Peace @home e-vents

If you’ve been encouraged by Martha Peace this week, you’ll want to check out her related webinars with HSLDA’s @home e–vents! Martha offers principles and practical applications to help you be a faithful and godly parent. To learn more, see the topics on which she has presented, or view one of Martha’s e-vents today, follow the link above.

Whether you want to stay abreast of homeschooling news and legislative issues, hear about the latest @home e-vent webinar, or get specialized help for teaching your high schooler—or struggling learner—or elementary student, HSLDA’s e-lert service has something valuable for you. Sign up here!