9 on the 9th

I almost missed my 9 on the 9th! I would have really let Mrs. N down!

9 general things I believe are true about parenting (not that I've mastered them, but I do believe them):

1. If we learn each of our childrens' love languages and speak them regularly, they will sense our love and security, even when they're being disciplined.
2. If we listen to our children now, they will talk to us when they're teens.
3. It is so important to build a solid family identity so our children know what they're a part of and have a sense of joy in being a member of it.
4. We are called to train our children not entertain them.
5. If I invest in my marriage and my time with my spouse, I'm indirectly investing in my children and their well being.
6. If my kids can listen on the third time, there's no reason why I can't train them to listen on the first.
7. Respect for age is a dying value which ultimately hurts those of us who are getting older, which last time I check was all of us.
8. Self-centered children often grow into self-centered adults but others-focused children can most likely grow into others-focused adults. We are building the foundation for the rest of their lives now.
9. Praying for our children is one of the greatest investments of time we can make on their behalf.