Don't Neglect The Little Ones

So what is a good basic principle for taking care of little ones, really for taking care of your whole family? Proverbs 29:15 says, "A child left to himself will bring his mother shame."

This is really key to parenting. Whether you are dealing with self care issues such as tooth brushing and bed making, or character issues such as telling the truth and obeying authorities, the answer is the same. T-I-M-E.
If you are not aware of where your children are and what they are doing, how can you address issues that come up? If we as parents are always off doing our own thing, who will instruct your children in how to properly wash up, follow through on a task, be kind to other,etc, etc. Even something as basic as learning to speak happens much more effectively in a home where a parent is communicating face to face with the child as opposed to the child being left to himself with the t.v, or in a busy daycare type setting.

As we continue this discussion I will bring in research such as the studies cited in the book Nurture Shock, by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman, which statistically reiterates the wisdom from Proverbs. Children need parenting, they need parents who will Deuteronomy 6:7 their children, teaching them diligently all day long!
Now, I better go see what my seven munchkins are up to!