Counsel #1 — Parenting Infants And Young Children

Picture: Counsel #1 — Parenting Infants and Young ChildrenCR 112.1

Parenting young children is a demanding, often sleep-depriving, yet profoundly rewarding journey. From the early days of newborn care to the toddler years of exploration and discovery, to early schooling, your role as a parent is pivotal in shaping your child's character, values, well-being and worldview.^{[105]https://www.adventist.org/marriage-and-the-family/ellen-white-and-family/}CR 112.2

Parenting from a Christian perspective includes making biblical principles a framework for raising your children. You will seek to nurture spiritual growth, set boundaries, provide for your child’s safety and protection, as well as address challenges with love and wisdom given by the Holy Spirit.CR 112.3

Every human life, created by God, possesses inherent dignity and value. As a parent, you will need a good understanding of child development, enabling you to recognize and respond to your child’s unique needs and stages of growth.CR 112.4

 “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.” Psalms 127:3 NIVCR 112.5

“The more quiet and simple the life of the child, —the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature, —the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength.” Ellen White in The Desire of Ages, p. 74CR 112.6

Reflect: Whether you already have children or are looking forward to being a parent one day, what are your goals for raising children and what strategies will you use to achieve them?CR 112.7