Over the years, I have observed that young mothers often fall into one of two common mistakes in raising their children. One mistake is overestimating their child’s spirituality. Enchanted by their newborn’s apparent innocence, mothers find it hard to envision their child ever doing anything wrong. And years later, when a defiant teen is arrested for a serious crime, his mother still insists, “He’s really a good boy at heart.”
The Bible teaches that we are all born with a propensity for sin, naturally inclined toward evil. King David recognized this inherent sinfulness, praying, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5). Our human nature is disposed to sin, which is why Cain murdered his brother without any instruction. Therefore, a wise mother stays alert to early signs of disobedience and seeks to break the defiant will of her children without crushing their spirits. King Solomon wrote, “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away” (Proverbs 22:15).
A second common mistake mothers make is when they underestimate their child’s potential for Godly achievements. Overprotective mothering can limit a child’s ability to excel. However, mothers like Jochebed, the mother of Moses, and Hannah, the mother of Samuel, sensed the unique, Godly destinies of their sons, and these mothers became determined to nurture their sons’ divine purposes despite their own personal sacrifices.
Shinichi Suzuki, a renowned Japanese music professor, revolutionized early childhood music education. He demonstrated that children as young as six or seven could master complex violin pieces. His method began by immersing infants in classical music until they were two. Then, he introduced structured music lessons where the toddlers observed their mothers learning the violin, fostering a natural inclination towards the instrument. By providing toddlers with miniature violins, Suzuki enabled them to acclimate to the feel of the instrument early on. His lessons, initially lasting just a few minutes, gradually expanded to full-hour sessions as the child’s skills and concentration developed.
Professor Suzuki organized a remarkable event where 1,500 children, averaging seven years old, performed classical compositions by Chopin and Beethoven in concert. This showcase illustrated not only their proficiency but also the potential for early and intensive training of young children. Suzuki proved that by the time children were aware of the violin’s complexity, they had already mastered it.
Professor Suzuki insisted he could teach anything using the same formula, which is similar to how we learn to talk. First, there is exposure, then imitation, then encouragement, followed by repetition and refinement. By applying these principles consistently, Suzuki demonstrated that any skill could be cultivated. His formula can also work to develop children spiritually:
Exposure: Begin early to expose children to God’s Word.
Imitation: Ensure they observe you sharing, telling the truth, and respecting authority.
Encouragement: Praise them five times for every criticism.
Repetition: Discipline consistently. Don’t exasperate them with unpredictability.
Refinement: As they get older, help make minor adjustments to their attitude and behavior.
I once observed a three-year-old astutely answer Bible questions, such as “Who was the first man? The first murderer? The oldest man? The most patient man? The first martyr?” His impressive knowledge at age three was not the result of an extraordinary IQ but because his mother had consistently exposed him to the basics of the Bible.
Little children often possess capabilities far beyond our usual expectations. Dr. Ben Carson, a world-renowned neurosurgeon and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, tells how, as a child, his mother limited their television time, insisting instead that Ben and his siblings read books. She believed in the transformative power of education and wanted her children to rise above normal expectations and become exceptional. Wow! Was she ever correct!
God loves little children, but He also has high expectations of them. Scripture advises, “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (Proverbs 1:8-9). God expects children to listen and take heed, for “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right” (Proverbs 10:11)
Throughout the Bible, God used children to accomplish His will. Samuel was a young boy serving in the Tabernacle when God called his name in the middle of the night and entrusted him with a crucial message for the High Priest. Josiah became king of Judah at just eight years old. Similarly, a young boy’s willingness to share his modest lunch—five loaves and two fish—allowed Jesus to perform the miracle of feeding thousands.
So, it is essential that young mothers elevate Godly standards for their children! Children are capable of achieving far more than we imagine. Encourage them and provide them with opportunities to accomplish great things for God. King Solomon wisely advised parents to “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
