“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

 Proverbs 22: 6

When people train, it is usually to improve some aspect of their health or their abilities. Overall there is a goal to be reached that requires work, often times hard work. It is through the process of training we find that strength and endurance often increase; therefore what is required by the trainer will also increase. It often requires repetition over a course of time that ultimately help them reach their goal.  For example, when a trainee first begins to work out 10 sit-ups may have been all they are able to complete, however through training they are prepared to do 50 over a certain time.

The concept of training up a child does not mean that they will do things right the first time you tell them to do it. Just as working out one time will not meet your target weigh.  It is often through consistency and repetition that we see the results of the efforts made. Much like physical trainers your will need to both motivate, encourage and push them to their goals.  As parents you must carefully analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your child to determine what their needs are and how you will guide them.  As their knowledge, skill and abilities grow, so should their requirements. It makes them stronger.  When correcting your child remember, he or she will not always correct negative behavior the first, second or third time you work at it. Therefore be patient yet firm, just as God of father is both patient and firm with you.

More importantly remember, the trainer has to be even more disciplined than the trainee.  As parents the training process must be consistent, fair and above all, loving. Just as your child will not always get things right, neither will you, so be patient. As you too train to be the best parent you can be. Continue to pray for grace, mercy, endurance and wisdom as God trains us all.