St. Mark's Sunday School
"Myth's of Parenting"

Myth of Greener Pastures It will get easier to guide and train my child as he gets older and can understand more about what's right and wrong.

Myth of Neutrality I'm going to let my child choose for herself about spiritual matters. I'm not going to force religion on her.

Myth of Mixed Messages What I teach or instruct my child to do is most important, even if he sees me acting differently. ("Don't do as I do, do as I say.")

Myth of Quality Versus Quantity It's OK if I give good quality time, even if it isn't often.

Myth of Destroying the Spirit It's OK to punish, lecture, and threaten my child (especially in front of other children or adults) because it shows I have control over my child. After all, how else will she learn good behavior?

The Blind Myth I can't see much to praise my child about. Most of his behavior is not at all praiseworthy, and besides, if I praise him too much he'll really get self-centered and proud.

The Barrier Myth I wouldn't think of apologizing to my child or admitting a mistake to her. It merely weakens the parent-child relationship.

The Cornucopia Myth I must give my child everything he wants, as soon as he wants it, or I am depriving him in some way, or he may think I don't love him. (Also called the poverty of abundance.)

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)