What Does Biblical Mothering Look Like?

Proverbs says much about being attentive to and accepting discipline ourselves. What about the training and discipline of our kids? How can we as mothers (or others who influence children) lay the foundation for God’s work in their hearts?

A Proverbs-minded Mother...

She first sets an example by living in integrity, both in the big things and the little ones.
She diligently acts to provide for her child’s physical needs even at the cost of her own comfort and convenience.
She enjoys and delights in her child-- appropriately—and takes time to communicate this. Her efforts are grounded in a loving desire for her child's well being, his/her eternal well being most of all.
Her ‘hats’ are many:
**She instructs clearly before hand
**She trains proactively so habits for good are learned early and habits for bad are nixed
**She takes the time to explain the thinking and reasoning behind her requirements, as age and maturity allow, because she knows this is an opportunity for developing understanding and wisdom
**She also deals with bad behavior, opening her mouth with kind but firm words and understands the eternal perspective of each corrective and punitive act
**She diligently seeks to see the heart issue and determine if instruction, reproof or discipline is warranted—this isn’t a reactive determination, but one she seeks God’s wisdom for each day.
**Finally, she keeps the cross as her focus. Redemption, even as it continues to work out in her own life, is her only hope, and she realizes most definitely, it is the only hope for the children she loves.
(Submitted by Elaine, based on Proverbs' instruction to parents)
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue..." Proverbs 31:26