N—Nester. It’s up to you to provide a safe haven for your family. Well-ordered, but not rigid. Clean, but comfortable. The home is made for the family—not the other way around.

Proverbs 31:13, 15, 21. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She riseth while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 

O—Operator. You are the owner/operator of your home. All things come under your purview. See that you manage well and are a good supervisor, leading by example. Teach your child responsibility, but the principal responsibility of running the household is yours.

Isaiah 54: 2. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.

P—Planner. Think ahead. Not only for major upcoming events, but each day’s most basic needs. Make friends with a calendar. Keep track. Keep up. Be on time.

Proverbs 31: 27. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Q—Queen. Yes, you are the queen of your particular kingdom, not in the sense that you “reign” or “lord it over” your family, but in the sense that you are ultimately responsible for the happiness and welfare of those under your care. Consider how good queens have inspired and protected their people.

Proverbs 31: 28-29. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all

R—Referee. It will often fall to you to intervene and settle squabbles and all-out brawls. In times of conflict, think clearly, consider both sides, and judge fairly.

Romans 12: 18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

S—Scientist. The Latin root of “science” is “to know.” You must be prepared to answer questions of a wide and limitless variety. You never know what your child will become fascinated with. Be ready to join her in her pursuit of knowledge and help him find answers.

Job 38: 16, 18. Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? Or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? 

T—Tender. One who “tends”—ministers or waits on with service. The Latin root of “tend” is to stretch, extend, proceed. “Tending” never stops, even when your child is old enough to “fend” for himself. Never cast aside the role of “tending.” When you stop “waiting on” your child, because he is growing older, do not stop tending to her emotional and inner needs.

Titus 2: 3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be teachers of good things: That they may teach the young women to…love their husbands, to love their children, to be…keepers at home.