Question: Mr. McLemore, my husband and I have a newborn child. We want to be Christian parents. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer: You are to be commended for your desire which holds the key to your success. The most important step you can take toward rearing your children to be Christians is to be genuine Christians yourselves. Your consistently modeling Christian values is the most powerful aspect of the training of your children. This will reinforce the teaching you provide for them. Next, it is extremely important for your children, in their early years (one to five) to experience God’s unconditional love in your relationship with them. Establish rules for behavior, and be firm in their enforcement. Yet, always make sure that your children know that even when they fail to behave properly, and though you have punished them, you love them with all your heart. Let Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Ephesians 5:22-6:4 shape your home life. Please realize that you cannot begin too early to teach your children about the Lord.