Throughout the book of Proverbs there are countless verses telling children to listen to the wisdom of their parents. As mothers this is a pretty high calling that we need to strive to live up to. It calls and requires us to truly think through every decision we make because our children are watching.
How can we ensure that we are being wise in our decision making and how can we teach our children how to to make wise decisions?
These are two questions that I’m going to give you tips for today to use in your life and in your home.
Tips for Making Wise Decisions as a Mom
- Pray first.
So often we get on a tare or think we can handle things alone and we forget to pray. Sometimes by not praying and seeking God’s direction we make a mess of things and then we look to God for help. There is much wisdom found in a mom that seeks the Lord prior to making decisions.
- Don’t make rash decisions.
Take time to think things through. Just because it seems like a great opportunity or idea doesn’t mean it’s right for you. It takes wisdom to not always say yes immediately.
- Discuss upcoming decisions with appropriate family members (your husband and/or your kids).
If the choice you need to make involves or will affect your husband or your kids, make sure you talk with them about it. No one likes to blindsided or unaware of upcoming changes. We can use wisdom in showing our family members that we value their opinion and input.
(I recommend always talking to your husband about any decision you need to make, his wisdom and understanding of you personally can help the decision making process immensely often times.)
Tips for Teaching Your Kids to Use Wisdom
- When our kids are faced with a decision, take time to pray with them.
We need to teach them to seek the Lord first in all decision making.
- Have them create a pros and cons list.
Teaching them to weigh out the good and the difficult part of their decisions will increase their wisdom and it will help them learn how to use it.
- Teach them to sleep before they make a decision.
Often rash or sudden decisions result in regret or difficulty, neither of which a parent wants to see their child deal with. Wisdom is used when not making decisions immediately.
Wisdom is something we gain over time, through bad decisions/mistakes and by observation of others. It is important that we as mom use wisdom in visible ways so our children can learn from what they see.
How do you help your children use/gain wisdom? Please share your tips in the comments below!
