As Christians, we know we should be patient with our children. Some might not admit it, but it can be tough to deal with unruly, wild, or rude children. I have been a dance teacher for children aged 4-13 for about two years, and during that time I have had to deal with some undisciplined children. In those times, I looked to these 5 verses from the Bible that helped me stay patient with the child.
- Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. – NIV
As said in Proverbs 15:18, a hot-tempered person creates issues, maybe making problems out of things that don’t need to be. However, a calm person will help resolve the issue and won’t make rash decisions. This shows that exercising self-control leads to a less contentious household. So, instead of reacting instinctually, be slow to anger. Take a deep breath and think about the best way to avoid taking your rage out on your child.
- James 1:19
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; – NKJV
The verse above explains that listening is just as important as speaking. Sometimes our children say things that just aren’t reasonable, but listen to what they are saying, think about it, and explain why you said no to the playdate, or why they can’t play video games at 11:00 at night. It creates a much healthier relationship than just saying, “Because I said so,” that definitely won’t solve the issue and just continue the fighting. If you want to teach your children to obey God’s rules on their own, be sure to talk to them about the situation and they are more likely to be understanding.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful. – ESV
The above verse explains that love can be shown through patience. Your child, a toddler or teen, is still growing and learning. Love is not shown through anger. You might be angry because you truly want the best for your kid, but they might not see it. Being patient shows you care and love your child, and trust me, they will truly appreciate it!
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. – NKJV
Patience can be shown by not picking at or scolding for little things. However, children must be warned for their unruly behavior kindly. If a child is doing something or behaving in a way that isn’t wanted and can be detrimental to themselves or others, stay patient. It’s good to explain the reason why what they are doing is wrong. You have the time to explain it no matter how stressed or upset you are. Once they understand why they shouldn’t do what they were doing, it is less likely to happen moving forward.
- Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. – NKJV
It can be tiring always behaving your best for your children, especially when it seems they don’t appreciate it. God wants us to love our children and raise them right, and by showing them how to deal with situations early on, it will be an easier problem to fix in the future.
Patience takes work.
Everyone knows that it’s hard to be patient. With my personal experience, my advice is this: Take your time. Sometimes when we are in a stressful situation we feel the need to fix it as soon as possible, which may result in poor choices being made. It’s helpful to know that you do have time to think about one of these five verses, take a breath, and then make your next move. God wants us to love our children and raise them right, and by showing them how to deal with situations early on, it will be an easier problem to fix in the future.
Payton Lundy is an IAHE intern. She is a junior who has been homeschooled since first grade, and has loved it ever since. Payton is passionate about the arts, animals, and learning about new cultures and languages. She has been dancing for 13 years, and plans to continue dancing and teaching after high school.