No one has perfect kids, and we don’t claim to be perfect either. In our house we like to encourage positive behavior and especially with toddlers a list of “Do’s” is better than a list of “Don’ts”. We couple our list of positive behaviors with scripture, as once our children verbally put their trust in Christ and believe in him, we then use these verses for training Godly Christian character. For non-christian families, this list is still a good form of character qualities to instill in a child, the reasons for following them may differ.
1. Be Thankful – “Give thanks is all circumstances”- 1 Thessalonians 5:17
2. Obey – “Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” – Ephesians 6:1
3. Be Kind – “Be kind one to another” Ephesians 4:2
4. Be Helpful and Share – “Command them to be rich in good deeds, to be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18
5. Use Quiet Inside voices – “The quiet words of the wise are more to be heard than the shouts of a ruler of fools” Ecclesiastes 9:17
6. Show Respect- No talking back – “He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. “ Proverbs 13:13
7. Clean Up – “The Lord took Adam and put him in the garden to work it and take care of it” Genesis 2:15
8. Get along – “Do everything without complaining or arguing” Philippians 2:14
9. Control yourself – “Be humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” Ephesians 4:2
10. Say “Sorry” and Forgive – “In your anger do not sin” Ephesians 4:26
“Forgive as Christ has forgiven you” Ephesians 4:32
