![A man and a woman are enjoying cleaning the floor together, helping each other as husband and wife. The Christian roles of husband and wife have gotten a bad rap. Have your view of marital roles and submission have been smaller than God’s?](https://www.focusonthefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/men-and-women-roles_shutterstock_1958419408-300x200.jpg)
What Are the Christian Roles of Husband and Wife?
What are the roles of Christian men and women in marriage? And why does it matter? Here are a few things to consider.
Getting ready for a new baby can be fun and exciting. Help prepare siblings to welcome the new member in the family without rivalry.
Are there nurturing ways to prepare siblings for the arrival of the new baby that helps curtail sibling rivalry? The short answer is–yes.
Sibling rivalry exists because we are born with a sinful nature. Far from a stage or an attitude to tolerate, family life is an opportunity to apply the teachings of Jesus in ways that help us live in community with others who are both different and similar to ourselves.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him, Colossians 3:15–17.
Expecting my second baby gave opportunity to consider the type of relationship I hoped my children would share. While parents cannot control everything, I wanted to lay a foundation for a safe environment where family members could explore, grow, learn, and love. As our family welcomed each of our seven babies, these are some of the purposeful ways I reassured older children that they were beloved, and helped them welcome siblings.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” (John 13:35). Jesus taught us to love one another, and this is a gift parents can pass to our children.
Rather than compare children, embark on a continual treasure hunt to discover and mine the unique characteristics, preferences, and personality of each child. Allow your children to be different and help them appreciate both the ways they are alike and the areas where they are not.
While it is natural to notice similarities and differences between children, I tried to recognize each one’s individuality; how soft the baby’s skin, how fast the older child runs, the one fascinated with legos, and another who connects with animals.
The younger child who hears parents remark, “I remember when your older brother did that” each time they do something new will be reluctant to try. Similarly, the older child can become discouraged when parents constantly notice how cute the younger child is. My grandmother told her oldest that if he didn’t like the new baby, they would send the baby back. The fact that my dad remembers hearing this phrase long after he was no longer the new baby reminds me to choose nurturing words for my children.