Foundational Parenting
A Step-By-Step Guide to Build a Biblical Foundation Based on Twelve Biblical Qualities, Including Respect, Honesty, Gratitude, Self-Discipline, and Responsibility (Ages 4 to 8)
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The Magic of Respect Hello, wonderful friends! Today we will explore a special kind of magic that everyone has, the magic of respect. Respect is a word and way to show kindness and make everyone around you feel good. Let’s dive into what makes respect essential and how it can make our world happier! What Is Respect? Respect means treating others kindly and valuing them because they are special to God. When we respect someone, we listen to them, are polite, and show them they are important. • Respect is saying, “Please” and “Thank you.” • Respect is listening when someone else is talking. • Respect is caring for things that aren’t ours, like toys we borrow. What Does the Bible Say About Respect? In 1 Peter 2:17 (King James Version), it says to “honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” Here, the Bible tells us four important things: 1. “Honor all people.” This means to treat everyone with kindness and fairness because God makes everyone. Example: Be kind to your classmates, even if they differ. 2. “Love the brotherhood.” This means caring for people who are part of God’s family. Example: Share your toys or help a friend in Sunday school. 3. “Fear God.” This doesn’t mean being scared of God. It means respecting Him and remembering how big and powerful He is. Example: Pray, read the Bible, and follow God’s rules. 4. “Honor the king.” This means respecting leaders, like your parents, teachers, and even the president. Example: Obey your parents and say, “Thank you,” to your teachers. Are Manners a form of Respect? Manners are the polite things we do or say to show respect to others. Saying, “Please,” “Thank you,” and “Excuse me,” are like magic words that make people smile and feel appreciated. Manners are like a game’s friendly rules that ensure everyone has a good time. Why Are Respect and Manners Important? When you show respect and use good manners, you create a circle of kindness around you. It’s like throwing a small pebble into a pond and watching the ripples spread. Your good actions can spread far and wide, touching many people’s lives. Example 1: Sharing at Playtime Imagine you’re at the playground and have a supercool new toy. Another kid comes over and looks interested in playing with it too. By sharing your toy and playing together, you show respect for their feelings and make a new friend. Plus, playing together can be even more fun than playing alone! The Bible teaches in Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Example 2: A Visit to Grandma’s House Now think about visiting your grandma’s house. She’s made your favorite cookies, and you’re excited to eat them. But before you dive in, you remember to say thank you to Grandma for baking them. This small act of manners makes Grandma feel loved and appreciated, making the cookies taste even sweeter because they’re filled with kindness.
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About the Book
Foundational Parenting is designed to counter what the author sees as troubling messages children see today. Mark H. Roberts expresses frustration with the negative values often embedded in popular cartoons, which he feels can glorify disrespect and self-centered behavior. As a young father, he noticed these themes in his daughters’ shows, and the problem has only worsened. Now, as a grandparent, he sees that the problem has gotten worse, which is why he initially created RAPTORCATS, a comic book series with his daughters that attempts to provide wholesome, value-based storytelling. Although RAPTORCATS didn’t gain significant traction, the author’s desire to create content that parents can trust never wavered. This vision laid the groundwork for this book, which he describes as a complete guide to helping kids build character based on biblical principles. Parents today are overwhelmed by the pressures of modern life, leaving little time to research wholesome activities or character-building lessons for their kids. This book is a go-to resource to teach children lessons about the importance of gratitude and kindness.
About the Author
Mark H. Roberts grew up in a nurturing environment that emphasized respect, kindness, and appreciation, themes that now serve as the foundation of his writing. He is a father, grandfather, trusted IT consulting adviser for senior corporate executives, and former Army helicopter pilot who brings personal experience and practical wisdom to his work, emphasizing the essential role of values-based parenting in shaping compassionate, capable adults.