Our kids will follow our lead. If they see us throwing fits, that ill be "normal" to them and they will follow suit. If we allow them to gripe, complain, mope around the house, or throw tantrums, we affirm their "feelings," and that behavior will become part of their personalities. Sometimes the thought of tackling these issues seems impossible, especially when I so easily lose the battle of keeping my own emotions in check. But I will not stop striving for these goals simply because I "feel" like a failure or a hypocrite. Feelings should have very little to do with our resolve to do right.

I claim Christ; I call myself a Christian, and that means something. It means that I choose to obey and that I will trust that His ways are better than mine. And it says in John that if I love Him, I will obey Him. Do I love Him? Will I follow my heart, or will I follow His Word? What will my children see me living? God bless you as you teach your children "real life lessons."

**This article first published June 6, 2007

Copyright 2007. Originally appeared in Spring 2007. Used with permission. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Visit them at www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com. For all your homeschool curriculum needs visit the Schoolhouse Store.