Category Archives: Preschool Parenting Class

Month 23

When You’re Frustrated with Your Child

Email 1

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Subject Line: When You’re Frustrated with Your Child, Part One

Hi, Parents,

I hope your week is off to a great start. This month’s Online Parenting Class is on Frustration. I pray that you can gain some reassurance from watching.

Hey, I get it. Parenting is hard no matter how well-behaved or easy your kids are. And there are times when you want to throw in the towel, lock yourself in the bathroom, or go to the mall or golf course and pretend you don’t even know those little stinkers exist. But it never takes long for those feelings to go away does it? Especially when you hear, “Mommy, I just love you so much.” Or “Daddy, I need you to kiss me goodnight.”

Most of the time our frustration as parents stems from our lack of trust in ourselves—we don’t think we’re getting things right or are afraid our preschooler’s meltdown is a sign that we’re failing as parents. Not true! Preschoolers are a unique and wonderful species all their own. So relax, take a deep breath, keep on praying, and don’t forget I’m here to help however I can.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/149146295/f2c90ff462

In Christ,
Preschool Pastor

Email 2

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Subject Line: When You’re Frustrated with Your Child, Part Two

Hey,

Are you having a good week, or are you experiencing one of those weeks parents of preschoolers would like to forget ever happened?

Hopefully in all the hubbub of your life you’ve taken the time to watch this lesson’s video to help with those moments of frustration.

Needing a break from your kids is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a normal emotion and one you need to act on in order to be a better parent. In other words, it’s not a matter of doing so, it’s HOW you do it that matters.

#1. Instead of saying something like “You’re driving me nuts, so go play somewhere else!” say, “Mommy needs a bit of quiet time so I need you to play in there while I stay in here.”

#2. Limit the number of noise-makers (as in toys) allowed in the house.

#3. Provide a safe, secure, and fun outdoor area for your kids to play in for a while each day. This could be your backyard or a nearby park. While they’re playing, you can read a book or visit with a friend. Don’t worry, as long as they’re dressed properly, they’ll be fine.

#4. Don’t use words or phrases like: brat, you’re driving me nuts, you’re bad, get out of here, get out of my way, I don’t care, I don’t want to hear you, and get lost.

#5. Let your children know when their behavior isn’t acceptable, but do so by saying, “What you are doing isn’t very nice, so please stop.” Or “I need you to be quiet so I don’t get upset.” Or “Inside voices are the only voices allowed inside.” Or “You need to be a better listener so we can all have a good day.”

Children need boundaries but as a parent it is your job to let them know the boundaries are as friendly as they are safe. Psalm 16:5-6 is a great passage to help you remember how to be a less-frustrated parent…

“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:5-6

Remember…your preschoolers really are a delightful inheritance.

Yours in Christ,
Preschool Pastor

Video Script

Preschool – When You’re Frustrated with Your Child

Have you ever heard that saying, “I love you, but I don’t really like you right now?”

That kind of stings to hear doesn’t it? But to be honest that’s a very real feeling we can have as parents. We spend so much time with our kids, and they spend a ton of time with us as well. We’re with each other so much it’s only a matter of time before we see each other at our “worst”.
Because we’re humans that means at some point we’re going to experience a very real frustration with the people we love the most. It’s one of the craziest parts of being a family.

Here are a few tips on how deal with frustration towards your child.

First, give yourself some grace. You’re only human, and there’s nothing wrong with feeling frustration. What’s wrong is allowing that frustration to turn into an unhealthy anger that leads to damaging conflict. You don’t have to beat yourself up for feeling frustration. Instead, you can recognize that your frustration is signaling you that “something needs to change”. So focus more on making a positive change than feeling guilty about feeling frustrated.

Second, it’s better to “respond” then to “react” when you feel frustrated. I know those words seem similar but there is a big difference. A reaction is quick and fueled with emotion. A reaction is slow, calm, and includes some thought. It’s so much easier to react, because that doesn’t require much discipline. To “respond” requires that we think before we speak.

This is the heart behind James 1:19, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”

Finally, call a timeout when you need one. You might be saying to yourself, “I’d love to respond instead of react, but that doesn’t feel realistic.” The best way to respond is to give yourself a break from the intensity and emotion to take a breath and think about your response. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking a timeout. Just make sure to let your child our your family member know when you’ll be able to return to the conversation. You can say something like “I need to take a quick break from our conversation to calm down a bit. I’ll be back in 5 minutes to finish our conversation.” This will set a great example for your kids to follow.

Frustration in a family setting is inevitable. But screaming, yelling, and destructive conflict doesn’t have to be. Instead of feeling bad about frustration, let it cue you to take a time out and have a healthy response. This has the potential to help your family face frustration in a healthy way.

Texts/Tweets

TIP: Choose a hashtag for your tweets and use it consistently. That will tell Twitter to store a list of your tweets on one place for later reference.

Tweet One: Don’t pull your hair out…take a time out #ParentsofaPreschooler

Tweet Two: God made preschoolers for a reason…to love. #ParentsofaPreschooler

Tweet Three: Time outs are for moms and dads too…they love them #ParentsofaPreschooler

Tweet Four: What you say & how you say it are equally important #ParentsofaPreschooler

Tweet Five: A home with a preschooler is a home where noise is inevitable #ParentsofaPreschooler

Tweet Six: Everyone deserves a break now and then…including parents of preschoolers #ParentsofaPreschooler

Tweet Seven: I love you all the time = what parents need to tell their preschooler #ParentsofaPreschooler

Tweet Eight: In God’s eyes we often act like preschoolers. OUCH! #ParentsofaPreschooler

Tweet Nine: YPray for parents of preschoolers you know…they want it, bad! #ParentsofaPreschooler

Tweet Ten: If you’re frustrated now, wait till your preschooler turns 12! #ParentsofaPreschooler

Month 22

Screen Time

Email 1

Copy/Paste the following email:

Subject Line: Screen Time, Part One

Dear Parents,

This is the digital age and the age of rapid technological advancement. We can’t run from it, so we have to make sure we understand it, are in tune to it, and most importantly, in control of it—rather than letting it control us or our kids.

This Online Parenting Class video helps you come to grips with how much screen time your preschooler should be experiencing. After you watch the video, I urge you to get in touch with me regarding any comments or questions you have.

Let’s work together to make sure technology works for the good of your family’s spiritual growth instead of against it.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/149143125/89fb85608a

Signing out,
Preschool Pastor

Email 2

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Subject Line: Screen Time, Part Two

Hi,

Hopefully by now you’ve watched the video that goes with this lesson on addressing screen time and your preschooler. If you have, you know it was filled with practical and relevant information on how to make digital technology a positive for your preschooler rather than a negative.

We can’t deny the benefits of technology or the fact that our kids are going to be surrounded by it for the rest of their lives. That’s why it is important to teach them how to manage their screen time properly now and how to be discerning about their digital media. Well, as discerning as a preschooler can be, anyway.

1. Block site access to anything that might be dangerous. Even seemingly harmless searches can put you and your preschooler in places you don’t need to be.

2. Set time limits on your child’s devices. When the allotted amount of time has been spent on the device, it times out.

3. Download apps that enhance your preschooler’s spiritual growth; apps like the free interactive Bible.

4. Play educational games online with your preschooler.

5. Make sure your preschooler knows how to operate the television, computer, and phone properly. Knowing how to use these things properly makes it easier to use safely.

6. Don’t allow your preschooler to be online without you being present.

7. Don’t let your preschooler rely too heavily on technology. Teach them to play board games, play outside by themselves and with other kids, and do things like paint, play with craft dough, dig in the dirt….

8. LIMIT their time in front of a screen of any kind. Not only is too much screen time bad for their eyes, but it hinders the development of their social skills, confidence among their peers, and their ability to process situations in any number of social and public settings.

God didn’t create this beautiful world and the people in it so we can shut it all out for the sake of animation and lightening-speed processing.

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” ~Psalm 8:3-4.

Serving God together,
Preschool Pastor

Video Script

Preschool – Screen Time

Our children will grow up in a digital age. That means that they are know as “Digital Natives”. They’ve grown up in a world with digital technology, the internet, and social media.

Many of us parents are more like digital immigrants. We didn’t have as much of that as children and we’ve adjusted to new technology as we’ve grown up.

That’s the heart behind this discussion we’re hearing so much about how much “screen time” your child should have.

There is a healthy fear in our society today that in a world of “digital natives” we might lose the art of personal connection.

I know that you can connect online by sending a message or “liking” a post. But the type of connection I’m referring to can only happen face to face.

So, the way we’ve responded as parents is to limit our kid’s screen time. Making sure they only watch TV or play on an iPod for a certain amount of time each day.

That is extremely important and should be encouraged. Trust me, they will get plenty of time in their life to interact with a screen, so limiting it when they’re young can only be a good thing.

But in addition to that I have another suggestion. Instead of just limiting their “screen time”, let’s also increase their “face time”.

Let’s create regular rhythms in our family life when we are intentionally have face to face interactions.

It doesn’t do much good to stop looking at a screen unless we replace that time with looking at each other.

In fact, I believe that if we fought hard for fact time, then the whole screen time thing will take care of itself.

Fighting to make time to eat together as a family around the dinner table, scheduling regular family nights, and valuing family vacations are just a few ways that you can use your energy to create more connection in your family.

From a spiritual perspective, face to face time is priceless.

It’s in these moments where we discuss the things that matter most. Faith based conversations in the home are born from face to face moments.

And faith based conversations in the home are the greatest way to plant the seeds of faith in the heart of your child. When your child asks a questions, shares a fear they’re having, or presents a struggle their facing they are also giving you an opportunity to infuse faith into that conversation.

So yes, let’s limit screen time, but let’s also fight for face time. Let’s teach our little digital natives what it means to truly connect not just with our heads, but with our hearts as well.

Texts/Tweets

TIP: Choose a hashtag for your tweets and use it consistently. That will tell Twitter to store a list of your tweets on one place for later reference.

Tweet One: Limit screen time for the sake of your family #techsavvykids

Tweet Two: There’s more to life than a computer screen #techsavvykids

Tweet Three: Social kids aren’t glued to a screen #techsavvykids

Tweet Four: There’s more to life than screen time #KidsNeedPlaytime

Tweet Five: Your kids are online-do you know what they’re viewing? #techsavvykids

Tweet Six: Smartphones don’t make kids smart #KidsNeedPlaytime

Tweet Seven: Set screen time rules and stick with them #KidsNeedPlaytime

Tweet Eight: Computer screens don’t make good friends #KidsNeedPlaytime

Tweet Nine: You can’t get social skills online #KidsNeedPlaytime

Tweet Ten: Teach your kids to be tech savvy #techsavvykids

Month 21

Dealing with Picky Eaters

Email 1

Copy/Paste the following email:

Subject Line: Picky Eaters, Part One

Dear Parents,

Who likes brussel sprouts? Bread crusts? Soggy cereal? Not your preschooler, I bet!

Dealing with a picky eater can be challenging to the point of I-want-to-pull-my-hair-out frustration. But don’t worry, there is hope and help to be had.

The video for this lesson addresses the issue of preschoolers who are picky eaters. No, there’s no pill or sure-fire cure you can offer, but you will be given tips that have proven successful to help you a) deal with the issue and b) rectify the situation (to some degree, anyway).

Thank you for allowing me to partner with you in your parenting journey. I consider it a privilege. Please let me know if there is any way I can be of further assistance to you and your family.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me to let me know how I can pray for you and your family.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/149143123/9d66ed1be5

Feasting on God’s grace,
Preschool Pastor

Email 2

Copy/Paste the following email:

Subject Line: Picky Eaters, Part Two

Hi!

So how’s it going? Are you having any luck getting your preschooler to be less picky about his/her eating habits? Did you find the Online Parenting Class video helpful?

Okay, enough questions. Let’s get to the meat of this issue (pun intended). Let’s give you some practical suggestions for getting your preschooler to eat better.

1. Try one bite and that’s all you have to eat should be a rule in your house. You can’t judge a book by its cover or a veggie by its shape.

2. Don’t force kids to clean their plates.

3. Don’t make sweets and other unhealthy foods an option for snack time.

4. Kids have a tendency to fixate on one or two foods at a time. As long as they’re healthy ones, don’t worry. It will change right along with their shoe size.

5. Let your kids see you eating a variety of healthy foods.

6. Let your kids help you cook and prepare meals. Taking ownership in something makes it more appealing.

7. Make eating fun. A piece of celery is boring, but add peanut butter or cheese spread and raisins and it’s an adventure.

You have foods you don’t like. So does your preschooler. Don’t worry about it. Just make sure to introduce new foods to their diet and keep things healthy and interesting. Oh, and it won’t hurt to remind them that it’s all good. The Bible even says so!

“Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.  The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” ~Genesis 1:11-12

Happy meal time,
Preschool Pastor

Video Script

Preschool – Dealing with Picky Eaters

Mealtime can be miserable at times if your child is a picky eater. Have you ever found yourself dreading dinner time in your home because you anticipating the “battle” over what your child will eat. In this video we’re going to work through some ideas to help your picky eater try new foods without making meal time stressful.

Let’s be honest, if your child is a picky eater, it can be annoying. When they don’t eat what we’ve prepared, it comes across as an act of rebellion. It’s like they are saying, “I’m in control here, and there’s nothing you can do to make me eat this.” That has the potential to make you as a parent feel pretty powerless.

Here are some strategies to help you bring back some of the joy of meal time in your home.

First of all, Make sure your kids are hungry at meal time. I’m not at all suggesting you starve your child. But one of the common reasons your child might be choosy about their food at meal time is because they are so full from snacking through out the day. Try making a little more space between snack time and dinner time. It might allow a natural hunger to motivate your child to try more food.

Here’s my second tip for making meal time a bit more manageable. Set yourself up for a win when you prepare their plate. In order to increase the types of foods that your child is willing to eat, you’ve got to regularly introduce to them new foods. One approach you can try is to prepare a food that you know your child likes and serve it right next to the new food you’re introducing. Then you can say “If you take a three bites of everything on your plate you can have dessert.” If there is something on their plate that they like, your child will not view this as much of an impossible task, and just might surprise you with what their willing to do for dessert.

Finally, let’s remember that meal time is about more than food. Yes, we want our child to grow their list of foods that they are willing to eat. In fact, some parents actually write out a list of foods their child will eat and encourage their child to add to the list. But the family meal time is really about connecting with one another. This is a priceless time to have faith based conversations in your home. Many parents just simply read a Scripture or two before the family begins eating. Just bringing your Bible to the table every night for dinner communicates to your kids the importance of God’s Word. You might also consider playing some games together at the table. I know we were taught as kids, “Don’t play with your food.” But one of the best things you can do with kids is speak their language, which is the language of FUN. So maybe you don’t play with your food, but you can enjoy a quick game together at the table after everyone is done eating.

The point is that you can choose to make dinner less about a power struggle, and more about making a connection. When you do that, your picky eater might just surprise you with their willingness to try something new.

Texts/Tweets

TIP: Choose a hashtag for your tweets and use it consistently. That will tell Twitter to store a list of your tweets on one place for later reference.

Tweet One: Food is for eating not turning your nose up at #Pickyeaters

Tweet Two: Just one bite—that’s all you have to take #Pickyeaters

Tweet Three: Preschoolers declare mutiny against vegetables #Pickyeaters

Tweet Four: You can overcome a picky preschooler #Pickyeaters

Tweet Five: Vegetables won’t kill preschoolers…I promise #Pickyeaters

Tweet Six: Make food fun #Pickyeaters

Tweet Seven: Replace junk with fruits and veggies #Pickyeaters

Tweet Eight: It’s okay to not clean your plate #Pickyeaters

Tweet Nine: One veggie is better than none #Pickyeaters

Tweet Ten: The LORD made everything good…even peas #Pickyeaters

Month 20

I’m Afraid of the Dark

Email 1

Copy/Paste the following email:

Subject Line: I’m Afraid of the Dark, Part One

Dear Parents,

Everyone is afraid of something or a few somethings. For preschoolers, the list usually includes big dogs, getting in trouble, being away from you, and the dark. The dark—that’s a really scary place!

This video enables you to help your preschooler overcome what we know to be an unjustified fear. You’ll discover how to do so without making your preschooler feel worthless or dumb. You’ll discover that by acknowledging their fear as real you can replace it with something just as real…only better.

When working with your preschooler to overcome their fear of the dark, don’t be afraid to let them know what you are afraid of now as well as what you were afraid of at their age, and tell them how you came to terms with these things. I also want you to remember that I’m here to help in any way I can.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me to let me know how I can pray for you and your family.
https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/149143124/c0b98fc7bc

Thanks for being such a great parent,
Preschool Pastor

Email 2

Copy/Paste the following email:

Subject Line: I’m Afraid of the Dark, Part Two

Parents,
I hope this month’s Online Parenting Class blessed you.
Let’s continue our ‘discussion’ on helping your child deal with their fear of the dark. It’s something nearly every parent is faced with at one time or another. Chances are you were even afraid of the dark when you were a preschooler. And since I’m fairly certain you’ve gotten over that fear, it’s safe to say your child will do the same. As a parent, you can make it a bit easier for them if you:

1.Don’t make fun of them or belittle them for being afraid. Their fears are real and big, and it’s your job to make them smaller and smaller until they’re gone.

2.This is a case for show-n-tell. It’s not enough to tell a preschooler they don’t have to be afraid of the dark. You have to show them there’s nothing to be afraid of. Look in the closet, under the bed, or outside the window with them, proving all is well.

3.Plug in a night light or put glow-in-the-dark shapes on their wall or ceiling to help lull them to sleep and calm their fears. NOTE: The glow-in-the-dark shapes are especially helpful since it has to be dark for them to work. This helps little ones see the dark as a fun place to be.

4.Eat family dinners by candlelight once in a while. This makes the dark a peaceful, happy place to be. 5.Lay on a blanket outside and look up at the stars with your preschooler. Talk to them about the stars and how God made the earth so perfect and wonderful.

6.Pray with your preschooler each night at bedtime with the lights out. Make sure you thank God for the dark that helps us rest, and pray for your little one’s heart to be at peace.

The Bible says, “ In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” ~Psalm 4:8

Partnering with you,
Preschool Pastor

Video Script

At some point during your Parenting journey, there’s a really good chance you’ll experience a familiar moment.

You just finish a long day of washing dishes, playing tag in the back yard, and fixing bowls of goldfish crackers and you finally get to that “finish line” where the kids are in bed and you can relax.

Just when you take a deep sigh and begin to relax, your sweet baby comes out of their room in tears. And it’s those “real tears” not the ones they use when they’re just trying to get something.

They are scared of the dark. They’re terrified to stay in their room, and they’ve come to you for help.

What do you do?

Well here are 3 things you can do right away to help your child.

First, Try to discover the cause of the problem.

There are many reasons a child can be afraid of the dark. Here are a few… You might have a child who’s blessed with an active imagination, but in this case it’s kind of a curse because they are turning shadows into monsters in their room. You also might have a child who’s struggling with separation anxiety. They hate being away from you, and their fear of the dark is more likely a fear of being alone. They also might have seen something on television that scared them, and their having trouble getting the image out of their head.

There are many reasons for having a fear of the dark, but with just a few intentional questions you might be able to discover the cause. That will really help you work towards a solution.

Second, Pray with your child.

This is where our faith can make a huge difference in the life of our child. Instead of just telling them to “think happy thoughts” and go to bed. We can talk to the creator of the universe on their behalf. Pray things like, “God, you set the stars in their place and you are the strongest one in the Universe. Would you please comfort my child and watch over them as they sleep.” The very cool truth is that God was already doing just that, but when your child hears you pray this truth they can be reminded that God doesn’t sleep, and He is with them.

Third, Offer them a small light of some kind.

You may disagree with me here, but I personally believe that “night lights” are awesome. To give your child just a small bit of light that pierces the darkness in their room has the potential to solve the problem right away. If the “night light” works for your child, then I say go for it! It will help them adjust to sleeping in the dark, and eventually they probably won’t even need it. A night light just gives them some comfort to work through this fear over time.

The most important response we can have as Parents who’s kids are scared of the dark is to just “Be there”. Don’t make your child feel silly for having a very normal fear, and make sure they know that they are not alone in facing that fear. You can face the fear together!

TIP: Choose a hashtag for your tweets and use it consistently. That will tell Twitter to store a list of your tweets on one place for later reference.

Tweet One: The dark is the daytime without the sun #Don’tbeafraidofthedark #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Two: Nightlights can be a kid’s best friend #Don’tbeafraidofthedark #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Three: Nightlights aren’t for sissies they’re for night time #Don’tbeafraidofthedark #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Four: Everyone’s afraid of something #Don’tbeafraidofthedark #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Five: Let your light shine before men #Don’tbeafraidofthedark #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Six: The dark is for sleeping and dreaming #Don’tbeafraidofthedark #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Seven:There’s nothing wrong with having a nightlight #Don’tbeafraidofthedark #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Eight:Twinkling stars are God’s nightlights #Don’tbeafraidofthedark #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Nine: To glow in the dark you have to be in the dark #Don’tbeafraidofthedark #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Ten:Being afraid of the dark is something you outgrow so just keep growing #Don’tbeafraidofthedark #urchurchparentministry

Month 19

You Can Do It!!

Email 1

Copy/Paste the following email:

Subject Line: You Can Do It, Part One

Dear Parents,

We’ve already covered the fact that parenting doesn’t have to be a Lone Ranger kind of job—that it’s okay to have a few mentors and reinforcements.
But I’m sure you can recall a few times in your life as a parent when you’ve gotten some unwarranted advice or even scolding in regards to your parenting skills.

Most of this comes from well-meaning sources (your mom, sister, grandma, or an older friend), but it still doesn’t make it easy to take…or right. The video that accompanies this lesson will help you navigate these situations in a Godly and loving manner. It will also remind you of the all-important fact that God chose YOU to be your child’s parents.

He trusts you to do your best to raise up Godly young people to continue the work of his Kingdom here on Earth. So take heart, have courage, and know when to listen and when to smile politely and walk away. This video will also remind you of what a blessing it is to be chosen by God to share his creation with him. Thanks for being such a great parent,
https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/149143122/bf233646f6

Thanks for being such a great parent,
Preschool Pastor

Email 2

Copy/Paste the following email:

Subject Line: Consider The Source, Part Two

Parents,

Hopefully by now you’ve watched the video on how to discern between good parenting advice and that which isn’t so good. Having older parents you look up to and who you can count on for advice, encouragement, and help is a great thing. A Godly thing.

But there are times when we are made to doubt our abilities as parents; times when people insert themselves into your family when they shouldn’t, times when criticism and ‘advice’ are given freely, yet unjustifiably, and times when you let the seeds of doubt sprout in your head and heart because of something you do (or don’t do). It happens to all of us. That’s just one of the non-perks of parenting. How you deal with these situations, however, makes all the difference in the world both for you and for your child. SO…*When you are criticized for how you parent, consider the motive behind the criticism.

If it really is out of love and concern, acknowledge it and explain that you don’t see things that way. If it’s out of jealousy or pettiness, ignore it, pray for confidence and courage, and go on. *If you are under continual or constant scrutiny (a mother, mother in-law, etc.), don’t run from the situation or ignore it. Let the person know you respect them, but that ultimately the children are yours to raise and you are doing so according to the way you and your spouse think best. Then tell them if they don’t want to risk further damage to your relationship, they need to keep their thoughts to themselves.

*Acknowledge that you just might be wrong or have something to learn in some cases. Again, this will often depend on the spirit in which you are spoken to. Think about what was said, pray about it, and let God speak to you. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but as long as you are following God’s voice and his Word in regards to loving, teaching, and disciplining your child, you can lay down each night knowing you’ve done well that day.

Remember…And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ~Colossians 3:14.

When you love your children as Christ loves us, you are doing all you can.

Partnering with you,
Preschool Pastor

Video Script

Isn’t it fun to think about the fact that God allowed you to be the parent of your child?

I mean think about it, God doesn’t make mistakes, so when he was deciding who would care for your child, He chose you.

Wow, that’s a heavy thought isn’t it?

But do you know what else it is? It’s a freeing truth.

You see there are a lot of people who will have opinions about your parenting styles and your parenting decisions.

Whether it’s your mother in law, your minister, your neighbor, or even Dr. Phil. There is no shortage of folks trying to tell you what’s best for your child.

And I’m going to suggest to you that you listen and receive wisdom from those that you trust, but I’m also going to ask you to trust what God tells you the most.

There’s no doubt that you’re not going to get it all perfect in your parenting, but don’t ever forget that the God who is perfect has chosen you for this position.

That means that the whisper of His voice in your heart should ring much louder than the voice of any expert, family member, or teacher.

It’s kind of tempting to outsource our parenting responsibility, and to just do what other people are telling you to do. And sometimes God uses really wise people to show us how to parent our child.

But there will come a moment on your parenting journey where you believe in your heart that God is leading you to make a parenting decision that others might disagree with.

In that moment you’ve got to trust God’s parenting assignment. He chose you, and all you have to do is follow His leadership. He’ll take care of the rest.

You’ve logged more hours on this earth with your child than any other human being. When you look in their eyes you see so much more than the average person does. You know your child better than anyone. So who is more qualified to make a parenting decision than you? The answer to that is easy. No one.

One of my favorite words in the English language is “Encouragement”. It’s because the word kind of defines itself… to put “Courage in”.

My goal today is to encourage you and “put courage into you” to trust God. He chose you as your child’s parent, and that means that no one on this earth knows the heart of your child better than you.

Don’t ever forget that.

TIP: Choose a hashtag for your tweets and use it consistently. That will tell Twitter to store a list of your tweets on one place for later reference.

Tweet One: It takes courage to be a great parent. #Courageousparenting #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Two: Don’t give up #Courageousparenting #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Three: When it comes to parenting advice consider the source #Courageousparenting #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Four: As for me & my house, we will serve the LORD #Courageousparenting #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Five: Parent your kids the way God wants you to #Couarageousparenting #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Six: Too much advice = too little help #Couarageousparenting #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Seven: The worse advice comes from people who think they know it all #Couargaeousparenting #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Eight:The BIBLE is the ultimate parenting handbook #Courageousparenting #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Nine: Don’t worry-you’re allowed a few parenting mistakes #Couarageousparenting #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Ten: Don’t be afraid to parent your child #Couarageousparenting #urchurchparentministry

Month 18

Making Friends

Email 1

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Subject Line: Making Friends, Part One

Hi Parents,

Friends are an important part of life. We all want and need them. Making friends, however, is an art that everyone needs to acquire—your preschooler included. Please watch this month’s Online Parenting Class it is an excellent source of help to you in teaching your preschooler how to make friends the right way.

One of the best things about being a parent is being able to watch your children enjoy the things that come with having friends. Their smiles, giggles, fun, and games are memories you will place in your heart and hold on to for a lifetime. Let me know how I can be of help to you in teaching your child to make and be a good friend.
https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/149140807/7866a27705

Praying For You,
Preschool Pastor

Email 2

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Subject Line: Making Friends Part Two

Parents,

We’re still on the subject of friends—how to help your preschooler make them and be one.

After all, friends are a very important part of life. Jesus had friends. Twelve good friends and from those twelve, three close friends, and from those three, one BFF named John.
I hope you have had a chance to watch the Online Parenting Class video on How to Make New Friends. I also want to encourage you to follow the suggestions below so that your preschooler’s early experiences in the world of friends will be positive experiences.

#1 Don’t overwhelm your preschooler by offering too many playdates and too many faces at a time.

#2 Don’t push your preschooler to be friends with someone YOU think they should be friends with. Let them gravitate towards the people they feel most compatible with. That’s what you do, isn’t it?

#3 Take the time to really know your child—what they enjoy doing, where they enjoy spending time, the activities they most enjoy, and whether or not they prefer small groups, one-on-one, or large group settings. Take your cue from these things to put your child in these situations to make friends.

#4 Teach, use, and reinforce their use of manners at home so they will use them with others.

#5 Don’t expect too much. Preschoolers are learning how to make and be friends. They’re going to experience bouts of selfishness, shyness, aggressiveness, and tattling. Work with them to solve these issues instead of condemning them for it.

#6 Be an example of what a good friend is to your friends and to your spouse.

God knows the value of friendships. That’s why he put the following verses in the Bible for us to remember. Teach your preschooler to know these verses, too.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. ~Proverbs 17:17

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. ~Luke 6:31

Partnering with you,
Preschool Pastor

Video Script

Finding a new friend is tough at any age, but especially difficult as a young child.

This is your child’s first time to practice the art of caring for others, playing with others, and the “give and take” of a really good friendship.

There are grown adults that struggle with those skills, so how can we expect our children to do it.

Well, your child has something that no one else has… they have an awesome parent like you to help guide them through this scary stage.

Here are 4 ideas to help your child develop new friendships.

First, teach your child to look for a friend with similar interests. Without this direction your child will most likely try to be friend with the most popular, outgoing, or athletic children in their class. Help them to look past that obvious stuff, and choose a friend that defines “fun” in a similar way as them. If your child loves sports then they are looking for an athletic friend. If your child loves imaginary play, then they are looking for the kid on the playground turning a stick into a sword with their imagination.

Second, Teach your child to be friendly. We are all naturally selfish. So don’t be surprised when your child tries to make their new friendships all about them. You’ll need to teach your child to take turns with their friend and let them choose what to play. You’ll also need to teach your child to ask their friend questions about their life, and to offer a sincere compliment. These are amazing life skills and this is a great time to practice them.

Third, Encourage your child to have a variety of friends. Explain that it’s okay to have more than one friend and to have different kinds of friends. Your child may have a video game friend, a lunchroom friend and a friend who likes to climb trees. And there’s no reason to force someone to choose between friends. Instead, encourage your child to try to get along with the friends of his new friends. They might as well learn now that it’s unfair to expect our friends to only be friends with us.

Finally, my favorite way to teach your child about friendships is to let them watch you with your friends. Tell them the story of your friendships. Tell them how you became friends. Let them ask your friends questions about the type of friend you are. This models for your child the reward of building meaningful friendships.

One of the best gifts God gives us in life is a real friend. By helping your child learn how to be a friend, you are opening a world of joy and fellowship to them that will last a lifetime.

TIP: Choose a hashtag for your tweets and use it consistently. That will tell Twitter to store a list of your tweets on one place for later reference.

Tweet One: Friends are the flowers of life #Friends #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Two: To make friends you have to be a friend #Friends #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Three: Jesus is the best friend you’ve got #Friends #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Four: Teach your preschooler to make friends #Friends #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Five: Learning to be a friend is a process #Friends #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Six: A friend loves at all times #Friends #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Seven: First friends are important friends #Friends #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Eight:Friends share, care, and help #Friends #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Nine: Friends forgive and accept you as you are #Friends #urchurchparentministry

Month 17

How To Handle Tattling

Email 1

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Subject Line: Tattle Tale, Tattle Tale…, Part One

Hi Parents,

The preschool years are full of wonder, excitement, rapid development, and adventures for your little ones.

Most of these are equally exciting and adventurous for you, too, but oh, how we wish we could skip some of them…especially the art of tattling. The video that goes with this lesson is one you will not want to miss. It provides insight as to why preschoolers tattle as well as advice on how to handle this milestone in development before it gets out of hand. After you watch the video, take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts and any questions you have so we can talk about them.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/149140805/4d818cdc61

Praying For You,
Preschool Pastor

Email 2

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Subject Line: Putting A Stop To Tattling, Part Two

Parents,

While the Bible is definitely the ultimate authority when it comes to morals, decision-making, and growing in faith, I have to say that the Berenstain Bears sure have a lot going on.
In the book, The Berenstain Bears Learn about Strangers, Brother Bear gets upset with Sister Bear because he feels like she is tattling on him. Momma Bear puts a stop to their argument and explains that Sister Bear wasn’t tattling—she was telling what happened because she was worried and upset. Momma Bear went on to say explain the difference by saying that tattling is telling on someone because you can and because you want to get them in trouble. That’s what you have to do—teach your children the difference between telling and tattling and teach them why it isn’t nice to tattle.

Before we get into that, though, let’s remind ourselves of why preschoolers tattle.

Sometimes their tattling is innocent. They’re just little town criers who want to spread the news. And then there is the fact that they are discovering the power and capability they possess to manipulate their surroundings by telling on someone.
Either way, you can squelch this trait in your preschooler by:

1.Reading the Berenstain Bear book mentioned above and talking about it afterwards.

2.Not responding to the tattling in the way your preschooler wants you to. When cause and effect don’t happen, he/she will usually stop.

3.When your preschooler tattles on someone, for an actual offense, ask “ What do you want me to do?” Then talk about their answer.

4.If tattling is frequent, simply say, “ You and __________ need to learn to get along. If you need help, I’ll help you, but I won’t listen to tattling.”

As you watched the Online Parenting Class video, I hope you were able to take a lot of encouragement from what you saw and were reminded of how important it is for us to teach our children to control their tongues. As I end this, I want to give you a couple of important Bible verses to share with your preschooler when talking to them about using their words wisely:

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. ~Colossians 4:6

To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. ~Titus 3:2

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ~Ephesians 4:29

Partnering with you,
Preschool Pastor

Video Script

In some homes, especially among siblings Tattling is an art form. It’s kind of like a weapon used by kids to get power by bringing the authority figure on their side.

But just to be honest, it’s sometimes hard to figure out if a child is tattling to get another child in trouble or if they are telling you something that you need to know.

How can you teach a child the difference between Tattling and Telling?

Here are four ideas to help you get rid of Tattling in your home…

First, explain the difference to them. Tattling is a normal response for most kids because it just works. Most kids have tattled and found it to be a great way to get an adult’s attention. For many kids it genuinely feels like they are doing something good to inform an adult that another child did something wrong. It’s especially confusing to kids that are natural rule followers and like to have order instead of chaos in their environment. They’ll usually use Tattling to try and control their environment.

Clear communication is a crucial first step. Explain to your child, “Tattling is when you are trying to get someone in trouble, and telling is when you are trying to be helpful or protect someone from getting hurt.”

Secondly, point out examples of Tattling and Telling. Try to catch them in the act of both tattling and telling. Help them see the difference by using real life examples of their behavior through out the day. Try to do this without expressing anger or shaming them. Instead, display the heart of a teacher who is genuinely trying to show them the difference between the two.

Third, Encourage them to practice resolving their own conflict. Many times tattling is an attempt by your child to help solve a conflict. This is a great opportunity to teach your child how to face the conflict themselves and practice using their “voice” in a situation instead of running to an adult to do it for them.

Finally, don’t reward tattling. Ok, you’ve taken the time to explain clearly what tattling is, and you’ve taught them what it looks like through “real life” examples. Now it’s time to to put their new found knowledge to the test. They probably won’t be perfect at this, so the next time they come to tattle just help them identify what they’ve done and move on. Don’t give tattling any more power in your home.

It’s seems easier to just ignore the tattling and let it continue in your family. But this is one of those behaviors that can get out of control quickly, so it’s best for you to engage your child and teach them the healthy way to respond instead of tattling.

TIP: Choose a hashtag for your tweets and use it consistently. That will tell Twitter to store a list of your tweets on one place for later reference.

Tweet One: Just be nice #tattlingnotallowed #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Two: Nice words are the only words you should speak #tattlingnotallowed #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Three: Words of concern aren’t tattling #tattlingnotallowed #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Four: Parents against tattling UNITE! #tattlingnotallowed #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Five: Let the words of my mouth be pleasing to God. #tattlingsnotallowed #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Six: Tame the tongue…conquer the world #tattlingsnotallowed #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Seven: Who likes a tattle tale? NO ONE! #tattlingnotallowed #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Eight: Speak for yourself-not others #tattlingnotallowed #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Nine: Stop tattling before it starts #tattlingnotallowed #urchurchparentministry

Month 16

“How To Deal With Backtalk”

Email 1

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Subject Line: How To Deal With Backtalk, Part One

Parents,
Think back to the not-so-distant past when you couldn’t wait for your little one to say “Momma”, “Dadda”,
“Bye-bye”, “Thank-you” and all those other wonderful first words.

You were awed and amazed by everything they said. Now that they’ve become preschoolers though, their vocabulary is increasing daily, but now you wish they weren’t quite so verbal.

Our current Online Parenting Class video addresses this issue by offering practical advice and wisdom in dealing with a preschooler’s sassy backtalk in a way that will be pleasing to God while creating an atmosphere of positivity in your home. After you’ve watched the video, please feel free to get back to me in order to share one or two ways this video encouraged you in this area of your parenting journey.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/143995452/92cd3758b0

Partnering with you,
Preschool Pastor

Email 2

Copy/Paste the following email:

Subject Line: How To Deal With Backtalk, Part Two

Parents,

I hope you’ve had the opportunity to watch the parenting video that goes with this lesson.

The task of teaching your preschooler to use their words respectfully and politely can be challenging; especially since they don’t always understand when they’ve said something inappropriate.

Hopefully, however, the following tips will help you get the job done.

1.Speak to your preschooler the way you want them to speak to you and to others.

2.Don’t over-react. When your preschooler says something they shouldn’t, calmly but firmly explain that this isn’t a) a word they are allowed to use or b) this is not a nice way to talk. Follow this by giving them a good word to use and/or demonstrate the proper way to say what they said.

3.When your preschooler says something in a sassy or disrespectful voice, tell them to repeat what they said the right way.

4.Be consistent. Don’t allow your preschooler to sass you when they’re tired but not when they’re fully rested.

Your children are God’s gift to you. Treat them with all the TLC they deserve, and don’t forget to live God’s Word as you parent them through their preschool years.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” ~Ephesians 6:4

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” ~Proverbs 22:6

Partnering with you,
Preschool Pastor

Video Script

Don’t you wish that your sweet little baby would just stay sweet!?

Unfortunately, though your baby is human, and that means at times they are going to get angry and even start to say mean things.

Dealing with your child’s back talk can be frustrating. Here’s some ideas on how to handle back talk in a healthy way.

Kids start back talking around age two. Once they really “find their words” and start talking more, they discover how to say “No” more often. As they get older their back talk can come more advanced and more frequent. Sometimes kids talk back because they want to work parents up, they see that it might get your attention or give them power.

Often, it’s an experiment. Maybe they heard someone on TV, or a friend saying something like that, and they wanna know how you’ll react. Sometimes, they just wanna get their way. They wanna get out of chores or not do their homework.

Back- talk is a is a bit like a tube of toothpaste, once the words come out you can’t put them back in. We can’t tell them, you can’t talk to me like that because they already did.

So, one method to try is to refuse to give any power or significance to the “back talk”. When you respond with your own form of angry talk, you are just giving your child the result they might have wanted. That becomes a crazy cycle where everyone just ends up yelling at each other. What I recommend is if your child says something disrespectful to you, just say “it’s not okay to talk to me like that, I’ll be happy to try this conversation again when you have calmed down” with as little emotion as possible.

And then walk away. That’s right, I said walk away. That’s not ignoring your child, but rather it’s inviting your child to a respectful conversation. It’s also setting a boundary that you won’t participate in a disrespectful conversation.

Setting a great example is also very important. If you want your child to speak respectfully to you, make sure that you’re speaking respectfully to your child and to your spouse. Whatever the usual emotional tone is in your home, that’s what your child is going to think is normal.

Our words are very powerful. We need to learn to use them respectfully. Remember, the goal here is not to suppress your child’s anger. Anger is actually a very useful emotion. It tells us that “something needs to change”. But rather, you’re teaching your child to remain respectful even though they are angry.

Ephesians 4:26 says “In your anger, do not sin”. Notice that it didn’t say, “Don’t get angry”. What it said was to remain under control while you are angry.

This is the skill you are teaching your child when you are addressing their “Back Talk”

TIP: Choose a hashtag for your tweets and use it consistently. That will tell Twitter to store a list of your tweets on one place for later reference.

Tweet One: Oh be careful little mouth what you say #Wordsmatter . #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Two: What you say & how you say it are equally important #Wordsmatter #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Three: No sass allowed in our house. #Wordsmatter #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Four: Speak to others the way you want to be spoken to #Wordsmatter #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Five: Be fair, firm & consistent when teaching kids how to speak politely #Wordsmatter #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Six: If you want your kids to talk nicely you need to do the same #Wordsmatter #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Seven: Children really do learn what they live #Wordsmatter #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Eight: If you say it, your preschooler will repeat it #Wordsmatter #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Nine: Don’t tell anyone anything you don’t want your preschooler to share with the world #Wordsmatter #urchurchparentministry

Month 15

Take Time For Yourself

Email 1

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Subject Line: Take Time For Yourself, Part One

Parents,
Hi!
I hope your week is off to a great start!
This month, our Online Parenting Class is on the topic of The Best Thing You Can Do for Your Child,” and addresses the importance of self-care.

The topic of this lesson is especially important because if you aren’t taking great care of yourself, you can’t take great care of your kids. Taking care of yourself is not only good for you and your kids, it’s something God commands us to do because our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit: Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. ~1st Corinthians 6:19-20.

I want to remind you that I love and care about each of you. Please let me know how I help you, and how I can pray for you and our family.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/147482215/33143c0879

Partnering with you,
Preschool Pastor

Email 2

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Subject Line: Take Time For Herself, Part Two

Parents,
What have you done for yourself this week?

If the answer is ‘nothing’, you need to change that.
I also hope you’ve had time to watch the video for this lesson—the video that reminds you that it is okay…even necessary for you to take care of yourself.

The Bible contains numerous verses pointing to the wisdom of taking care of yourself and giving yourself some much-deserved ‘me time’ on a regular basis. Let’s take a look at a few of these verses now. I also want to encourage you to adopt some of the suggestions you’ll find at the end of this email that will make you feel better about yourself as a person and as a parent.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. ~3rd John 1:2
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? ~1st Corinthians 3:16

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. ~Psalm 139:13-14

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. ~1st Corinthians 10:31

Now for those tips I promised…
#1: Hire a sitter or trade childcare services with friends once or twice a month and spend the day doing whatever YOU want to do without interruptions.

#2: Put a lock on the bathroom door (high enough to be out of reach of little hands). Use it when you are taking your shower/bath.

#3: Don’t forget to spend time with God each day. Twenty or thirty minutes at the start of each day in Bible reading and prayer are just what you need to keep you feeling complete and sane.

#4: Take turns with your spouse when it comes to bath time and bedtime with your preschooler. When it’s not your turn, take advantage of the time to read, do your nails, return phone calls or emails, enjoy a cup of tea and dessert, exercise, or whatever else makes you feel special.

#5: Spend some time each week enjoying a hobby or being involved in a ministry project or Bible study. While you might not be kid-free for everything, you’ll still be taking care of yourself and that’s what matters.

Partnering with you,
Preschool Pastor

Video Script

Preschool #6- The Best Thing You Can Do For Your Child

You do a lot for your child every day.

Between meals, diaper changes, bathing, and play dates the list of things you do for them is pretty long.

Let’s don’t even start with all that you buy your child. All of the toys, the clothes, the doctor’s bills, and on and on.

But you’ll keep doing and giving and doing and giving until you are utterly exhausted. Do you know why? Because you really love your kids.

We’re not talking about just any kind of love. God plants a deep love in the heart of a parent for their child. It’s the kind of love that would lead us to do anything for our child.

So, I’m going to suggest something that you can do for your child that you might not have considered lately.

I’m going to ask you to consider taking some time to take care of you.

In all that we do for kids, sometimes the first thing we forget to do is take care of ourselves.

That sounds selfish doesn’t it to say that you should take care of yourself? You might be wondering why I suggested that taking care of you is the best thing you can do for your child.

It’s simply because of this, when you practice self care, your kids get the best version of you to take care of them.

Your kids don’t know how to give you a break. It’s highly unlikely that your kid is going to sit down next to you and say, “Hey, you look a little tired, why don’t you take a break?”

But trust me, your child would rather have a happy, rested parent then a moody exhausted one.

I know it’s not easy to take a break. It’s exhausting to think about hiring babysitters, asking family for help, making plans and arrangements, and all of the things you have to do to be able to take care of yourself.

But trust me. When you return from your rest, your parenting batteries will be recharged, and you’ll be ready to play and give your best attention to your child.

Scripture paints a beautiful picture of this rhythm in Phillipians 2:3-4. It says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves; do not look only to your interests, but also the interests of others.”

Did you hear that? It didn’t say “Don’t look out for your own interests.” It said, “As you are taking care of yourself, make sure to also care for others.”

What a perfect picture of a healthy parent.

It’s not just a gift you give yourself. Your children will be grateful as well!

Weekly tweets from you to parents:

TIP: Choose a hashtag for your tweets and use it consistently. That will tell Twitter to store a list of your tweets on one place for later reference.

Tweet One: Loving yourself lets you love others better. #takingcareofme #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Two: Moms of preschoolers need lots of TLC #takingcareofme#urchurchparentministry

Tweet Three: Parents of preschoolers deserve ‘me time’! #takingcareofme #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Four: The lock on the bathroom door is my favorite house feature #takingcareofme #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Five: Quiet time in a house with preschoolers is a luxury #takingcareofme #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Six: Parents of preschoolers need a hobby with no kids allowed #takingcareofme#urchurchparentministry

Tweet Seven:I love my preschooler every day in every way #takingcareofme #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Eight: When your preschooler is away a parent can play #takingcareofme #urchurchparentministry

Month 14

Taming The Tantrums

Email 1

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Subject Line: Taming The Tantrums, Part One

Parents,

It’s time for another online parenting class!

This month we are going to tackle a very important subject that you face as a parent… This month we’re going to talk about taming those bigger-than-toddler-sized tantrums.

This issue is one that you likely face quite a lot. But don’t worry, we’ve got some help for you today. Check out this month’s online parenting class. It will give you a good start towards making positive changes in your home. I hope this lesson is helpful and please feel free to reply to this email with any prayer requests you may have for your family. I love serving you and your family through prayer.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/137429766/e1256cad35

Partnering with you,
Preschool Pastor

Email 2

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Subject Line: Taming The Tantrums, Part Two

Parents,

How’s it going?

I hope you were able to watch our online parenting class on Taming the Tantrums.

Today we’re going to continue the conversation by reading some encouraging Scripture.

Listen to what Ephesians 4:26 says about tantrums: “In your anger do not sin…” Ephesians 4:26 (NIV) Here are two lessons we can learn from this Scripture to help with the tantrums our children have.

1. Preschoolers WILL get angry. As children grow and develop opinions and desires of their own, they will inevitably get irritated when things don’t go their way or when you “mess up” their plan. We cannot expect them to be happy and “roll with the flow” all of the time, especially when it is difficult for us as adults to follow that rhythm.
2. It should be the parent’s mission to assist their preschooler in navigating through their anger. Part of the parent’s job is to help them work through their feelings and teach them how to respond appropriately when feelings of anger arise. One way to do this best is by setting a good example for them in how you respond during frustrating situations.
So as you are engaging your kids today, don’t forget that each tantrum is a teaching moment for them to learn to portray self-control in how they communicate their anger.

We’ll see you in next month’s Online Parenting Class.

This has meant to be a resource that encourages and helps you. Please remember that our ministry cares about your family, and we love serving you!

Partnering with you,
Preschool Pastor

Video Script

I really wish the Bible had a verse that we can go to that will give us the answer to Taming our Child’s Tantrums.

Unfortunately, there’s not a ton of wisdom that addresses that topic specifically. But in the book of Proverbs there is a small bit of wisdom that might encourage you today to respond to your child’s tantrum in a healthy way.

Proverbs 15:1 says “A soft word tuns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath”

So how do we offer “soft words” to our child when they are throwing a tantrum?

Here are 3 approaches you can try:

First of all- Try to determine what kind of tantrum it is. Is your child overwhelmed, exhausted, hungry or is there some specific cause to the tantrum that you can address? Or is the tantrum an attempt to manipulate you so the child can get what they want?

If your child is genuinely overwhelmed, it’s time to offer them comfort. Give them a hug, sip of water, or maybe a tissue. Just make sure to calmly communicate to them that you are their to offer them help for whatever is overwhelming them.

If your child’s trying to manipulate with their tantrum, you might try a different approach. One way to identify these tantrums is that they involve less tears and more of a demand that you give your child something they want.

One way to respond to this kind of tantrum is to refuse to react to it. Just wait for them to finish and then move on to the next activity. If your child is able to get a reaction from you, then it will encourage future tantrums.

Children have different temperaments, and the kids who tend to be more intense, are more likely to have tantrums.

A parents response to tantrums has a big impact on whether they continue. If you pay attention to tantrums, they are going to happen more often.

Second- Try to stay as calm as humanly possible. If you get angry in response to tantrums, they’re going to escalate.

Try spending less time attempting to talk your child out of their tantrum, and more time talking yourself through staying calm during it.

This is where you might whisper a quick prayer. Something like, “God please help me stay calm in this moment.”

Third- Be consistent and patient. These are two amazing ingredients in just about any parenting situation, but especially when it comes to tantrums. Your child will test you with tantrums, but eventually your consistency and patience will show them that tantrums will not get them what they want.

I don’t know that we ever grow out of having tantrums. We sometimes can still throw tantrums as adults.

But if you stick with it, your child will learn a healthy way to ask for what they want, and you will be glad that you made the effort to Tame those Tantrums.

Weekly tweets from you to parents:

TIP: Choose a hashtag for your tweets and use it consistently. That will tell Twitter to store a list of your tweets on one place for later reference.

Tweet One: Preschoolers have bad days too. #toddlertantrums #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Two: Be a responder, not a reactor. #setthatexample #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Three: In your anger do not sin #eph4:26 #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Four: Set the tone for your home: handle anger God’s way #selfcontrol #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Five: Anger is inevitable. How we respond is our choice. #choosewell #littleeyesarewatching #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Six: Control your anger. It’s only one letter away from danger. #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Seven: Self-control grows from time spent growing with the Lord. #fruitofthespirit #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Eight: Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret–it leads only to evil. #ps37:8 #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Nine: Tantrums are teaching moments. #trainupachild #urchurchparentministry

Tweet Ten: Asking questions can reveal a lot about the root of a toddler’s tantrum. #gettotheheart #urchurchparentministry