Joey & Carla Link
April 23, 2025
Self-control is one of the most needed character traits in today’s society. Yet it’s one of the most difficult to get a handle on. It’s also one of the fruits of God’s Spirit, evidence of His Spirit working in you.
How do you get your kids to work on getting self-control? When you think of self-control, do you think of it in terms of their behavior, because you need self-control to manage your attitude too. Self-control has many layers to it. There is self-control of their expressions, words that come out of their mouth, their hands, feet and all body movements, and especially of their eyes. If our kids don’t develop self-control with their eyes, they will go after what they want, when they want it because the image won’t leave their mind.
Wise Solomon said it this way in Proverbs 25:28.
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.”
When in cities, we often see homes surrounded by iron fences and gates. We assume this is because they want these to be the first way those with bad intentions can’t get through or over to get to their home. We all lock our doors for the same reason, to keep those who are uninvited out of our homes and lives. Fences and locks are like walls in biblical times. You may have them but don’t keep them locked, so anyone has free access to your family and belongings. Not having self-control is giving yourself free access to things that can and will hurt you or those you love.
Your daughter amazes you with what she sees through the passenger window when you are driving down the road, yet with those same eyes she can walk past her bedroom, look inside and avoid seeing that she hasn’t made her bed yet! Your son creates intricate things with his blocks, yet uses these same hands to smack his sister when she touches them. Your daughter slams the vacuum cleaner into the furniture and walls when she is completing her chores, yet she creates beautiful artwork when drawing.
Every action and attitude our kids choose to do takes self-control but because of sin, our kids aren’t born with the desire to exercise it. It is up to the parents to teach their kids what it looks like for their age and to teach them how to use it. What grade would you give each of your kids in the area of having self-control?
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23
Have you listened to this Mom’s Notes presentation?
“Kids, Get Self-Control”
“How many times have I told you…” comes out of Mom’s mouth when she can’t believe her child did something again. This presentation teaches parents of kids 5 yrs. and under how to begin getting self-control. It also gives parents of kids 5 yrs. and older 8 key areas to train their kids in self-control and suggestions on how to accomplish it.
Parenting Made Practical Podcasts on Self-Control
Leave a Reply