It is not easy for anyone to take the time it requires to train their children. There is sacrifice required to explain, show and practice with children, to prepare them for what is coming. Yet, God would not ask us to train our children in the way they should go if there would not be enough time to do it. If there doesn’t seem to be enough time to do that which God has called us to do, then something else must be stealing the time.
Try aligning your day with your priorities. Put first what is most important and don’t allow unimportant distractions to rob you. For example, in order to make sure Bible time didn’t get skipped because we had a report to do or we hadn’t finished math, we put it first in our day. For a public school parent, perhaps some non-conflict character training could happen right after school while the children eat a snack or as part of the bedtime routine. Routine means though that it happens every night, be realistic if it is going to be too tempting to skip it because everyone is tired. Any family could cover character at the supper table. With the whole family gathered, it is a great place to discuss scenarios and prepare for upcoming events.
It was the first day of school, when I stopped by a friend’s to return something. After I asked how the day was going, she informed me it was not going well. Her daughter was pouting and not answering questions. Before I prayed with my friend I said, “I know you know this, but dealing with your daughter’s attitude is the most important thing you can do today. Even if you don’t accomplish any school, you need to work through the issue with your daughter.”
It is great to have a schedule and lists for the day. When it comes to training our children though, those schedules and lists will sometimes have to be set aside. Again, keep priorities the priority and the rest will fill in.