“What’s the matter with kids these days?” This song from the famous musical Bye Bye Birdie seems to be on the lips of most teachers, grandparents, librarians, coaches–anyone who deals with children on a regular basis. Oh yes, and how could I forget parents? They also seem to be bewildered at why these little munchkins are always trying to make life so difficult. We’ve all heard the older generations reminisce about how children used to act in their days. They didn’t get away with this or that, like they do now. They respected their elders. They did what they were told, for the most part. So what’s happened? Are children really different from how they used to be? Are they now born with more of a tendency to misbehave than their grandparents had?

The answer is, of course, no. Children haven’t changed a bit as far as their nature goes.  A hundred years ago baby boys and baby girls were being brought into this world filled with the same thing that you and I and our sons and daughters were born with: original sin. From the very moment we were born we were demanding, focusing on ourselves, our desires, our happiness. What has changed over the past few decades is not the children at all, it’s the parents–the “nurture” part of the equation.  We’ve changed. We have drifted away from what God’s Word says about “training up a child in the way he should go.”  We have relied on our own instincts or maybe even some of the modern child psychology books. But let’s face it, that method is getting us nowhere fast, and it’s putting a generation of children at risk for self-destruction.

Beginnin in 2009, Emmaus Lutheran Church has been offering a parenting class for both members and non-members called “Growing Kids God’s Way,” (GKGW) which reveals to the participants exactly what biblical parenting is all about. Through DVD presentations, class discussions, and practical homework, GKGW creates a foundation for parenting, namely training our child’s heart so that he desires to be a virtuous person, rather than simply trying to curb bad behavior. When focusing on this ultimate goal, day-to-day parenting decisions become much easier and less swayed by emotions and circumstances.

This 18-week course covers topics that can have a profound effect on the participants’ home life. The homework assignments that are part of each class are techniques and practices that parents can implement immediately and see noticeable results in just a matter of days.  Weekly topics include: how to raise a moral child, how nurturing your marriage can bring about security for your children, the father’s vital role, your child’s conscience, respecting authority, age, property and nature, how to discipline, repentance, forgiveness and restoration, and building a healthy family.

There is no cost for the class, babysitting is provided, and a workbook can be ordered for a small fee. Here is what some of the class participants had to say about their experience with our first class:

“Every week of ‘Growing Kids God’s Way’ has provided incredibly useful child rearing direction and insight for my husband and me. One topic in particular that I now use every day is discipline with encouragement. Training and encouraging my children before poor behavior occurs has given our whole household a noticeable drop in stress. I am also more in tune with the hearts of my children and am more aware of their spiritual and emotional needs.”   -Rachel, mother of Bella, age 4 and Aria, age 10 months

“Before I took the ‘Growing Kids God’s Way’ class, I knew that I wanted my son to grow into an honest, sincere, hard-working young man. I knew that both discipline and love were necessary, and I thought I knew how to give him both of these. But I learned so much more in this class, especially how to give my son both love and discipline. The class reaffirmed things I already knew, taught me a lot that I didn’t know, and gave me friends with whom I can discuss the ups and downs of parenting. I am very thankful for the teaching I received in ‘Growing Kids God’s Way’ and I recommend it for all who love their children and either need help or just want to be a better parent.”   -Ben, father of Caleb, age 5

Participants in the course have noted that not only are they seeing an improvement in their childrens’ behavior, but they are seeing changes in their hearts, which should be the ultimate goal of all parenting.  If you or someone you know would benefit from the GKGW course, please contact Rebecca Mayes for more information at 314-229-1134, or e-mail at rbmayes@gmail.com .