Chapter 2: Shaping Influences

Shaping Influences: the events and circumstances in a child's developmental years that prove to be catalysts for making them the person they are.

The disciplines of childhood will harden into concrete, adult lives.

The person your child becomes is shaped by two things:
1-life experience
2-interaction with that experience (or response to the experience)

THE Shaping Influences:
-Structure of family life
-Family Values (Col 2:8)
-Family Roles
-Family conflict resolution (Prov 12:15-16)
-Family response to failure
-Family history

scripture readings:
Col 2:8
Prov 12: 15-16
Jeremiah 2:12
Prov 4:23

Application Questions:
1)What would your children identify as the values of your family? What are things that matter most to you?
I am hopeful that my daughter will identify our Christian lifestyle as the values that our family sees. you must always sensor your words and modify your actions so that your child may see Christ though you. The things that matter most to me are modesty, spirituality and kindness. These are characteristics/values i hope my child sees in me; and maintains herself.
2)What constitutes success or failure in your home?
Our definition of success: to live your life as God sees fit, and to pursue all things you believe God has in mind for you. Our definition of failure: living your life in a way that is disappointing to God and his commandments. Material things do not determine success of failure to us such as money or grades. Success and Failure, to us, is determined by how you live your life according to Gods vision for you. Yes, everyone sins and makes mistakes. We are not blind to the fact that our child will. But, we want our child to live for God. That will be a lifelong success.