How Should Christian Parents Handle Attitude With Children?

What is Attitude?

Noun—Your opinions and feelings about someone or something. Theo has a positive attitude toward his work.

What Does the Bible Say About Attitude?

Ephesians 4:22–24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Philippians 2:5
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Colossians 3:23–24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

See also: Ezra 6:22; Daniel 3:19

How Can You Talk to Your Kids About Attitude?

Look up Ezra 6:22 and Daniel 3:19 and label each verse as an example of a positive or negative attitude.

It is obvious from these two verses that your attitude affects your actions. What else does your attitude affect?

• Others
• Your walk with God
• Your health
• Your words

Can your attitude work both for the positive as well as the negative in each of the ways you just listed?

What do the Scriptures on the previous page say to you about your attitude?

How to Lead Your Kids to Improve Their Attitudes

1. Soon after the next time your child has a bad attitude, discuss the following:

• Did your attitude help the situation?
• Did your attitude hurt the situation?
• How did your attitude affect the others around you? Ask them.
• Do you think God was pleased with your attitude?
• Consider how the situation could have been worse. Be thankful that wasn’t the case.
• How could you have handled the situation with a positive attitude?
• What can you do as a reminder to have a better attitude in the future?

2. Memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

3. Put a smiley face on your mirror so it is the first thing you see in the morning.