Obedience is the topic of guest blogger Amy Stout’s current series. In Part 1, she discussed first steps parents need to take so their kids will be inclined to obey. Today, she’s back with tips for teaching kids how to obey. Take it away, Amy!

Obedience: The Formula for Fall Blessings, Pt. 2

Many children have issues with obedience due to auditory processing, maintaining focus, having control over their own body systems, the ability to respond quickly or on demand, hearing, attention, and hyperactivity. The list goes on. These things are very important to know and recognize in any child.

Once you know about your child’s abilities and have repaired your own character (see Part 1), you are ready to initiate obedience training.  Obedience is a skill that needs to be modeled, taught, and practiced.

No one likes to be TOLD what to do. But we all like to be offered choices; It gives us the illusion of being in control. (Offering choices works like magic in our own home: “Kylie, which would you like to pick up first, the markers or the crayons?” or “Kylie, you may either pick up your toys and watch a movie afterwards or you may leave the toys out and head to bed now.” And it seriously becomes her choice.)

Obedience: How to Model It

The best place to model obedience is in the car. The law of the land has posted signs that must be obeyed: speed limit signs, yield signs, stop signs, crosswalks, etc.  Your children know if you are obedient and respectful toward the law. If you don’t obey those in authority over you, why should it matter for them to obey you?

Obedience: The Basic Formula

The basic formula is:

(O) + DR = Blessing
Obedience plus doing right equals blessing.

This formula is based on Ephesians 6:1-3
Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother – which is the first commandment with a promise attached to it- “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth.”

Obedience: A Key Illustration

I recently saw this illustration that beautifully teaches the obedience/following directions concept on a child’s level. (See photo above) It is basically a key ring concept. The key ring has a tag with the Ephesians 6:1-3 verses typed out on it. On the key ring, 4 laminated paper keys teach how to obey:

• Obey: Immediately
• Obey: Cheerfully
• Obey: Completely
• Obey: Without complaining

If a child obeys, but is grumpy about it, you simply point out that they are missing a key and suggest that they find it and use it to unlock the blessing.  These small tangible reminders help to reinforce exactly what it means to obey.

Your Keys to Obedience

What an effective visual reminder for our kids! Thank you for the idea, Amy. How about the rest of you? What are your family’s keys to teaching obedience? Leave a comment to share your great idea. And come back tomorrow for Part 3, the final installment in Amy’s series. 

Obedience: The Formula for Fall Blessings, Part 1
Obedience: The Formula for Fall Blessings, Part 3

Do you like what you see at DifferentDream.com? You can receive more great content by subscribing to the quarterly Different Dream newsletter and signing up for the daily RSS feed delivered to your email inbox. You can sign up for the first in the pop-up box and the second at the bottom of this page.