I've learned a lot in over 25 years from pastoring hundreds of families. I think the number one mistake people make in their homes is either poor management or a lack of management. First of all, parents need to manage themselves if they expect their children to respect them. This means you need to start to set boundaries on your own emotions when you are upset, angry, or fearful. In my family, I don't stop Kathy or Brooke from having these emotions. What I do is help them set boundaries and make sure they don't let emotions rule and harm their faith in God.

If I flew off the handle every time something didn't go my way, my family would see this and understandably ignore it when I tried to give them rules. Kids never respect and want to obey your rules if you don't set standards in your own life first. Before we start blaming our kids or other outside influences like friends, television, or movies, parents need to take a good look at what example they are setting in their home. I am not saying other things don't have any effect, but let's deal with our behavior first. I know it takes discipline, but if I could do it so can you.

Another easy thing to do that I have learned over the years is to spend quality time with my kids and not treat them like they are getting in my way. I have done this with my daughter Bobbie and continue with Ally, my granddaughter. Whenever she runs to Grandpa, I make myself available to her no matter how busy I am or if I am with other people. This makes it easy for her to open up with me and let me know what's going on in her life. Then, when I make a rule with her, it is easier to get her to obey. Without this, kids will never respect you and won't believe that you love them. Try to look at it this way, rebellion doesn't come from too much attention but neglect while still setting rules.

Therefore, start to be a good manager of your household. Be a respectable parent and then your kids will respect you and listen to you. Rebellion will start to disappear and your kids will know you love them. This will help them grow up in the Lord and help them to love God and revival. What a great result!