Earlier this year we set our sights on scripting, writing and taping the GIFT series (a contemporary DVD presentation focusing on parenting children between the ages of three to eight years). However, in late January we took what we thought would be a short detour to update the Preparation for Parenting curriculum. That detour turned into a major journey leading to a fully revised DVD presentation and workbook. With the aide of sixty-member support cast and after eight hundred production hours, we are pleased to announce that the DVDs will be in the GFI warehouse on September 7, 2010, and available for U.S. shipping destinations on that date. If you are planning to lead a Preparation for Parenting class this fall, here are a few facts to consider when preparing your schedule.

Regarding the DVD series: Introductory Price: $39.00

Whether a seasoned Preparation for Parenting leader, or a first time purchaser the introductory price for the new series makes it very affordable to upgrade to the sixth edition. This introductory pricing expires on October 30, 2010. (Student workbooks are not included in the price.)

Regarding the updated 6^th edition Preparation for Parenting workbook:

While the newly revised Preparation for Parenting workbook were fully revised and expanded, the book will not be available until late October (2010). However, we have a workable alternative for those starting fall classes using the new sixth edition DVDs.

Regarding starting classes with New DVD series without the updated workbook:

For Prep classes starting this September or October, we suggest leaders provide each family a fifth edition Preparation for Parenting workbook and then replace it when the new sixth edition workbook becomes available. GFI will help underwrite this expense by offering the fifth edition workbook for $3.00 and the replacement sixth edition book for $3.00. Together, the total cost of the two books with shipping will be less then a standard order under normal circumstances.

As a Prep Leader, please note that class participants will not be utilizing the outlines found in the fifth edition workbook, but the weekly reading assignments will follow the sixth edition DVD presentation. Once the new books arrive in our warehouse upgrades will be available by calling the GFI customer care center. Specific upgrade instructions will be included with your order.

Regarding the content of the 6^th edition DVD presentation.

Motivated by the single goal of helping a new generation of expectant parents navigate the unfamiliar territory of nurturing a newborn, the sixth edition Preparation for Parenting series is immensely practical and understandable. The series contains five visits, tracking two newborns and their families from birth to six months of age. Fast moving, engaging and filled with visual examples, the new Preparation for Parenting appeals to the contemporary learning styles of the present generation while delivering the timeless message; that parenting in the mind of God is a Kingdom issue that has social implications.

Parents are really no different than most of the other humans on the planet. We struggle with the same things. We can be selfish and tired and busy. We prefer to do the work that is easy and hope the hard stuff goes away. We’d still rather eat the dessert than the veggies. That’s the way I look at the issue of consistency: it’s like eating your veggies.

One thing I don’t understand about consistency is why our children’s obedience is so dependent on it! Why do they gamble that if we didn’t correct them one time they may get away with it this time? Why must they constantly check the boundaries to insure they are there? Why do they start acting up when I am the most tired and feel least like being consistent? Why?

I may never understand why consistency is so vital and must be so vigilantly maintained, but that doesn’t change the fact that that’s just the way it is. I find that many of us parents are inconsistent because we fail to see the connection between inconsistency and behavioral issues. We scratch our heads and wonder what on earth is going on with our youngster and think the fault must surely lie with someone other than ourselves. What could we possibly have done? The answer: Nothing!

We did nothing when our child walked away when we told them to come to us. We did nothing about that little under-the-breath comment we heard, but ignored. We did nothing when we knew their heart was screaming rebellion while they were sullenly compliant. We did nothing all week.

Why are we inconsistent? Sometimes physical or psychological exhaustion seems to be a weight that lays over us like a lead blanket, keeping us from standing up to deal with the issues. Maybe it hits you at the end of the day or right after lunch, but whenever it is, it’s important that you recognize it as an enemy to your parenting and throw off the lead blanket and deal with the issue.

Perhaps we are inconsistent because of battle fatigue. Similar to the above, but caused by frequently having to deal with a particular child on a particular issue, this is possibly the worst time to give in. If you do, you have just successfully taught your child where or what your consistency limit is. They will likely try to push you to this point tomorrow.

Another cause of inconsistency is the ostrich effect. Perhaps, though obvious to all around, we just don’t want to acknowledge that there is an issue. This is the parent who chooses to not address the underlying attitude in the rolling eyeballs. We will not see the problem go away if we ignore it (as we are hoping). We will only watch helplessly as the problem grows. It is so much better to deal with the smaller issues; it will avoid so many of the larger ones.

Inconsistency can also be a product of the “Let’s only be happy” philosophy. This philosophy is noble and, to be sure, children will often reflect our attitude, making it very important that the attitude we display is a cheerful one. However, nothing spoils a good day like an increasingly rebellious child. Though we want to make things happy and cheerful in our homes, it is important to deal with an obedience or attitude problem immediately. Then make sure you forgive, restore and go back to cheerfulness! Nipping it in the bud will keep your home happier than obedience or attitude problem immediately. Then make sure you forgive, restore and go back to cheerfulness! Nipping it in the bud will keep your home happier than trying to overlook it and plod on.

Maybe you have other reasons for being inconsistent, but whatever they are, they aren’t worth it. Inconsistency has a way of sapping the joy out of parenting because you never making any progress and are constantly dealing with the same issue. One way we remember to stay consistent is to reflect on the consequences of inconsistency. It became my mental mantra to tell myself, “If I don’t deal with this now, I’ll deal with it ten times later.”

I may not comprehend why children are so dependent on consistency, but I see that it is true. They are sweet and loving and adorable, but they do push our limits! I guess I’ll eat my veggies so I can enjoy my dessert later.

Permission granted by Tim and Ami Loper of Miracle Books.  Ami also blogs at Yada, Yada, Yada.

Nursing mothers know to be careful with their diet.  That extra spicy meal may be wonderful now, but you are likely to pay for it later when your 5 month old is up half the night fussing.  But some food culprits can be less obvious.  That decaf mocha frappachino might seem like a harmless treat on a hot summer day, but the smallest amount of caffeine can cause a baby to be fussy and restless for hours into the day….and night.  (Yes, decaffeinated coffee AND chocolate contain caffeine)

If your breastfed baby is having a difficult time with naps and night time sleep, keep track of what you eat for the next few days to see if your diet might be part of the problem.

While many countries celebrate their Independence Day marking the date that the particular country became “independent” of whatever ruler had previously been in control, July 4th is the date that the United States of America will celebrate it’s 234 year of “independence”. It all began, “In Congress, July 4, 1776″ The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America was signed by 56 men representing the individual states. The closing paragraph of the document read:

“We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

As we diligently teach our children the ‘apologetics’ of our faith, it is important that we take the time to learn the ‘history’ of our country and pass that on to our children and grandchildren. People gave and continue to give all they have so that we the people, may continue to live in this country that still permits us freedoms that others only dream about … The following is a portion of an article written by David Barton of Wallbuilders, we would also encourage a visit to “The Charters of Freedom”.

Blessings,
Gary & Anne Marie
1 Timothy 2:1-2

Related: 233 Independence Day.

Used with permission from the Forever Young blog