Self-Control – Godly Parenting Tips

The Bulldog Who Picked on Butterflies

Bruno the bulldog learns that teasing and frightening others is not real strength. A Christian children’s story about kindness, empathy and self-control.

The Story

Bruno was the biggest bulldog in the park.

He had big paws.

A big mouth.

A very loud bark.

And, unfortunately, a big habit of picking on smaller animals.

Whenever Bruno saw a little butterfly flying through the flowers, he would bark.

“HEY! YOU!”

The butterfly would flutter away.

Bruno would laugh.

“Ha! Look how fast you can fly!”

One day, Bruno spotted a tiny yellow butterfly named Bella.

Bella was quietly resting on a flower.

Bruno crept closer.

“BOO!”

Bella flew away.

Bruno laughed.

“Got you!”

The next day, Bruno did it again.

And the day after that.

Soon, the butterflies stopped coming near Bruno.

But Bruno didn’t stop.

He began teasing the little birds too.

“Look at your tiny wings!” he barked.

Then he chased the rabbits.

“Run, little rabbit! Run!”

Bruno thought it was funny.

The other animals did not.

One afternoon, Bruno went to the park expecting to find everyone there.

But something was different.

The butterflies were gone.

The birds had moved to another part of the park.

Even the rabbits stayed far away.

Bruno sat under a tree.

For the first time, the park felt very quiet.

Then Bruno heard a tiny voice.

“Bruno?”

He looked up.

It was Bella the butterfly.

She was sitting on a leaf far above him.

“Why don’t you come down?” Bruno asked.

Bella hesitated.

“Because you keep frightening us.”

Bruno looked at the ground.

He had thought he was only having fun.

But now he understood something.

It wasn’t fun when the other animals were afraid.

“I’m sorry,” Bruno said.

Bella stayed on the leaf.

“Are you really sorry?”

Bruno nodded.

“Yes. I don’t want anyone to be afraid of me.”

From that day on, Bruno began practicing something new.

Kindness.

When he saw a butterfly, he didn’t chase it.

He watched it fly.

When he saw a rabbit, he didn’t scare it.

He gave it space.

When he saw a little bird, he didn’t laugh at its tiny wings.

He said, “Those are beautiful wings.”

Slowly, the animals began coming back.

One morning, Bella landed on Bruno’s nose.

Bruno’s eyes crossed as he tried to look at her.

Bella giggled.

“You look funny!”

Bruno smiled.

“That’s okay. This time, we’re both laughing.”

And Bruno discovered something much better than making others afraid.

He discovered that his strength could be used to protect, help, and make others feel safe.

And always remember Jesus Loves You.

What We Can Learn

Bruno learned that something can feel funny to us without being funny to someone else.

Teasing, frightening, or repeatedly picking on someone can hurt their feelings and make them feel unsafe.

God wants us to use our strength, words, abilities, and influence to help others rather than hurt them.

True strength is not about making others afraid of us. It is also about having enough self-control to treat others with kindness.

A Teaching Point for Parents

Children sometimes call hurtful behavior “just a joke.” This can be a valuable opportunity to help them understand the difference between playful fun and behavior that repeatedly hurts, embarrasses, frightens, or excludes another person.

Ask questions such as, “How do you think the other child felt?” or “Was everyone laughing, or was only one person laughing?”

Also teach children what to do when they see someone being bullied: don’t join in, don’t encourage the behavior, move away from the situation when appropriate, and tell a trusted adult when help is needed.

Most importantly, teach children that kindness does not mean weakness. A strong character knows how to use strength responsibly.

Scripture to Remember

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

God calls us to treat others with kindness and compassion. Our strength and abilities should become opportunities to help others, not reasons to hurt them.

Bedtime Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for making every person special and valuable.

Please help me to be kind with my words and actions.

Help me never to enjoy hurting, frightening, or embarrassing someone else.

Give me courage to stand for what is right and wisdom to ask a trusted adult for help when someone is being bullied.

Help me use what You have given me to help others.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Talk About It

Why did the animals stay away from Bruno?
Did Bruno think he was hurting them at first?
How did Bella help Bruno understand how the animals felt?
What did Bruno change about his behavior?
What is the difference between having fun together and making fun of someone?
How can you show kindness to someone who feels left out or afraid?

One Little Thing to Remember

Real strength does not hurt the weak. It uses strength to help, protect, and show kindness.

The Impatient Caterpillar

Coco the impatient caterpillar learns that some things take time in this fun Christian children’s story about patience, self-control and trusting the process.

The Story

In a beautiful garden lived a little caterpillar named Coco.

Coco was always in a hurry.

When the flowers opened, Coco wanted them to open faster.

When the fruit began to grow, Coco wanted it to ripen immediately.

And when Coco heard that caterpillars could one day become butterflies, she wanted to become one right away.

“I don’t want to wait!” Coco complained. “I want to fly today!”

Her friend, an old ladybug named Lila, smiled.

“Some things take time, Coco. You cannot rush everything.”

“I can try!” Coco replied.

And try she did.

One morning, Coco climbed to the tallest leaf she could find.

“Maybe butterflies become butterflies by jumping!” she said.

She jumped.

Plop!

She landed in a soft patch of grass.

Coco the caterpillar humorously jumping from a tall leaf

“That didn’t work.”

“Maybe I’m almost ready!”

She stretched.

She wiggled.

She spun around.

Nothing happened.

“This is taking too long!” Coco cried.

One afternoon, Coco noticed something strange.

She did not feel like eating as much as before.

She felt tired.

And she felt that something inside her was changing.

Lila smiled.

“Perhaps it is time to rest.”

Coco found a quiet place and began making her chrysalis.

Coco resting peacefully inside a chrysalis

“How long will this take?” she asked.

“As long as it takes,” said Lila.

Coco sighed.

“I don’t like waiting.”

“You don’t have to like waiting,” Lila replied. “You just need to learn to be patient.”

So Coco waited.

For the first time, she did not try to hurry.

She rested.

She waited.

And slowly, something wonderful happened.

Coco emerged with beautiful wings.

She stretched them carefully.

“I can fly!”

Lila laughed.

“Yes, Coco. And you didn’t have to rush it.”

Coco looked at her beautiful wings.

She remembered all the times she had complained about waiting.

“I think I understand now,” she said. “Some good things need time.”

From that day on, whenever Coco wanted something to happen immediately, she would take a deep breath and remember her chrysalis.

“Be patient,” she would tell herself. “Good things can take time.”

And always remember Jesus Loves You.

What We Can Learn

Not everything happens as quickly as we want.
Patience helps us wait without giving up.
Some things need time to grow and develop.
Waiting can teach us self-control and trust.

A Teaching Point for Parents

Children often struggle with waiting because they naturally want what they want now. Patience can be developed through ordinary experiences such as waiting for food, taking turns, completing a difficult task, or allowing a skill to develop.

Rather than simply telling a child, “Be patient,” help them understand what patience looks like. You might say, “We are waiting, but we can still do something good while we wait.”

Scripture to Remember

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.” Psalm 37:7

Waiting patiently does not mean doing nothing forever. It means learning to remain calm and trust God instead of becoming controlled by impatience.

Bedtime Prayer

Dear Jesus,
Please help me to be patient when I have to wait. Help me not to become angry or give up just because things are taking longer than I expected. Teach me to trust You and use my waiting time wisely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Talk About It

Why was Coco always in a hurry?
What did Coco learn while she was waiting?
Can you think of something that requires patience?
What can you do when you have to wait for something?

One Little Thing to Remember

Some good things take time. Be patient and keep growing.

The Princess Who Said “NO” to Everything

Princess Nola learns that obedience, cooperation, and wisdom are more valuable than always saying no in this fun Christian children’s story.

The Story

Princess Nola had a very special word.

It was a tiny word.

Only two letters.

But Princess Nola used it for almost everything.

“Nola, please get ready for breakfast.”

“NO!”

“Nola, please brush your teeth.”

“NO!”

“Nola, would you like to wear your blue dress?”

“NO!”

“What about the yellow one?”

“NO!”

Even when her parents asked a question she actually liked, Nola sometimes said no simply because she could.

One morning, the palace cook brought her favourite pancakes.

“Princess Nola, your pancakes are ready!”

Nola looked at them.

They had strawberries.

“NO!”

They had honey.

They even had a tiny smiley face made from blueberries.

The cook blinked.

“But Princess, these are your favourite.”

“I know.”

“So… why no?”

Nola shrugged.

“Because I like saying no.”

That afternoon, something important happened.

The king and queen were preparing for a special garden celebration.

There would be music, games, food, flowers, and plenty of children.

Queen Mother asked Nola to help arrange some flowers.

“Nola, please put these flowers in the basket.”

“NO!”

“Would you help me carry these cushions?”

“NO!”

“Can you please stay away from the pond while the workers prepare the garden?”

“NO!”

Nola marched away.

She wanted to do things her own way.

But soon she discovered something.

When everyone has to stop and argue about every little instruction, very little gets done.

The flowers were still on the ground.

The cushions were still outside.

And the celebration was getting closer.

Then Nola saw a little boy carrying a basket of flowers.

“Why are you helping?” she asked.

“Because everyone is working together,” he replied.

Nola looked around.

Everyone was busy.

Everyone except her.

Just then, she heard her mother call.

“Nola, please come here.”

Nola opened her mouth.

Her favourite word was ready.

“NO…”

She stopped.

She remembered the busy garden.

She remembered the boy carrying flowers.

She remembered how frustrating it was when nobody cooperated.

Nola took a breath.

“Yes, Mummy.”

Her mother smiled.

“Thank you, Nola.”

Nola helped arrange the flowers.

Then she carried the cushions.

She helped prepare the tables.

And when the celebration finally began, Nola looked at the beautiful garden and smiled.

“I helped make this happen!”

Her mother nodded.

“Yes, you did.”

Nola thought about her little word.

She still knew how to say “no.”

And she learned that sometimes saying no is important.

But she also learned that saying no simply because she did not want to listen could keep her from helping, learning, and enjoying something wonderful.

From that day forward, Princess Nola became known for something new.

Not for saying “NO” to everything…

but for knowing when to say “Yes, I will.”

And always remember Jesus Loves You.

What We Can Learn

Princess Nola learned that obedience and cooperation are important parts of growing in character.

We do not have to agree with everything we are told, and there are times when saying no is the right thing to do. But when a parent gives a good and appropriate instruction, refusing simply because we do not feel like obeying can create unnecessary problems.

Learning to listen, cooperate, and respond appropriately helps us become more responsible and considerate of others.

A Teaching Point for Parents

Sometimes what looks like stubbornness is a child’s desire for independence. Children are learning that they have choices, and part of parenting is teaching them how to use those choices wisely.

Instead of turning every instruction into a battle, give children appropriate choices where possible. For example: “Would you like to brush your teeth before putting on your pajamas or after?”

At the same time, make clear that some instructions are not optional, especially when they involve safety, respect, or responsibility.

The goal is not to raise children who blindly obey every voice. It is to raise children who learn to recognize good instruction, respond appropriately, and develop wisdom and self-control.

Scripture to Remember

Colossians 3:20

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”

Obedience is one way children can honor God as they respond to the guidance of their parents.

Bedtime Prayer

Dear God, Thank You for giving me parents and people who guide me. Please help me to listen carefully and obey good instructions. Give me wisdom to know when to speak up and when I need to listen and cooperate. Help me to grow in self-control, wisdom, and respect.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Talk About It

What word did Princess Nola love saying?
Why did she keep saying “NO”?
What happened when she refused to help?
What made Nola change her attitude?
Why is cooperation important?
Can you think of a time when listening and obeying helped you?

One Little Thing to Remember

Not every instruction is a battle. Listen, think, and choose what is right.

The Sneaky Sock Thief

Sammy the puppy learns an important lesson about obedience after stealing a red sock. A funny Christian children’s story about listening and self-control.

The Story

Sammy was a little puppy with a very big love for socks.

Clean socks.

Dirty socks.

Big socks.

Tiny socks.

If it was a sock, Sammy wanted it!

Every morning, Sammy waited beside the laundry basket.

As soon as someone looked away…

ZOOM!

Sammy would grab a sock and run.

Sammy sneaking toward the laundry basket

“Sammy!” Mum would call. “Leave the socks alone!”

Sammy would stop.

He would drop the sock.

Then he would look at Mum with his biggest, most innocent puppy eyes.

But the moment Mum turned around…

ZOOM!

There went another sock.

One afternoon, Sammy spotted something very interesting.

It was a bright red sock lying on the floor.

Sammy’s tail began to wag.

“Don’t even think about it,” Mum said.

Sammy looked at the sock.

Then he looked at Mum.

Then he looked at the sock again.

His nose twitched.

His ears stood up.

His paws moved closer.

“Sammy…” Mum warned.

Sammy froze.

For once, he walked away.

“Good boy!” Mum said.

Sammy’s tail wagged proudly.

But that evening, he saw the red sock again.

There was nobody around.

Sammy looked left.

He looked right.

Then he whispered to himself, “Just one little sock.”

CHOMP!

Off he ran.

But this time, the sock got stuck.

It wrapped around his paw.

Sammy pulled.

Nothing.

He pulled harder.

Still nothing.

He tried to run.

THUMP!

Down he went.

“YIP!”

Mum came running.

She carefully removed the sock.

Sammy discovering the sock stuck around his paw,

Sammy sat quietly.

He knew exactly what had happened.

Mum had told him not to take the sock.

He had known the rule.

He had simply chosen not to obey it.

Mum gently patted his head.

Sammy peacefully leaving the socks alone

“Sammy, rules are not always there to spoil your fun. Sometimes they are there to protect you, protect others, or help things work properly.”

Sammy lowered his head.

He looked at the red sock.

It suddenly didn’t seem nearly as exciting.

From that day on, Sammy still loved socks.

But he learned to leave them where they belonged.

And whenever he felt tempted to disobey, he remembered the day his favourite red sock became his very own paw trap.

And always remember Jesus Loves You.

What We Can Learn

Sammy learned that knowing the right thing is not enough. We must also choose to do it.

Obedience means listening to instructions and following them, especially when we understand that those instructions are meant for our good.

Sometimes we may not understand why a parent gives us a particular instruction. But learning to obey appropriate instructions helps us develop self-control, responsibility, and respect.

A Teaching Point for Parents

Children often understand a rule before they are willing to follow it. That makes obedience an important character skill to teach, not simply a behavior to demand.

Where appropriate, explain the reason behind an instruction. This helps children gradually understand that boundaries are not merely about control. They can provide safety, order, and guidance.

When correcting disobedience, remain firm without humiliating the child. The goal is not simply to make the child afraid of breaking a rule, but to help them develop a heart that chooses what is right.

Scripture to Remember

Colossians 3:20

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”

God cares about obedience. Learning to respond rightly to godly instruction is part of growing in character and learning to please Him.

Bedtime Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for the people You have placed around me to guide and protect me.

Please help me to listen carefully and obey good instructions.

Give me self-control when I want to do something I have been told not to do.

Help me to grow into a wise, responsible, and obedient child.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Talk About It

What did Sammy love taking?
What did Mum tell Sammy to do?
Why did Sammy take the red sock even after being warned?
What happened when Sammy disobeyed?
Why are some rules important?
What can you do when you really want to do something you have been told not to do?

One Little Thing to Remember

Knowing what is right is good. Choosing to do what is right is better.

The Grumpy Grizzly Who Lost His Growl

A funny character-building bedtime story about Boris the grizzly bear, helping children understand anger, emotions, self-control, and the importance of pausing before reacting.

The Story

Deep in the Forest of Frowns lived Boris, a grizzly bear with the worst temper in the woods.

He growled at squirrels, roared at rabbits, and once frightened a family of raccoons so badly that they forgot how to wash their food!

Every morning, Boris woke up angry. Every night, he went to bed even grumpier.

Grumpy grizzly bear Boris looking frustrated in the forest

“Why is everyone so annoying?” he would bellow, shaking the trees with his fury.

Then came Pip, a little chipmunk with cheeks full of nuts and a heart full of nonsense.

One day, Pip watched Boris chase his own tail in a rage because he had accidentally stepped on his paw.

Pip squeaked, “You know, Mr. Bear, you might be less angry if you ate more berries.”

Boris stopped.

“What?”

“My grandma says anger is sometimes just hunger wearing a grumpy face.”

Boris stared at him.

Pip tossed him a handful of wild blueberries.

Pip the chipmunk offering blueberries to Boris the grizzly bear

“Try these instead of eating loggers. They’re much sweeter!”

Boris grumbled, but he popped a blueberry into his mouth.

His eyes widened.

“More,” he mumbled.

Pip laughed and handed him another handful.

Before long, Boris and Pip became berry-picking buddies.

As they spent time together, Boris discovered something surprising: laughing at his own clumsiness was much more enjoyable than growling at everyone around him.

His fierce roar became a gentle, chuckling rumble.

His claws relaxed.

Even his fur seemed fluffier.

Boris was still a bear. He still got frustrated sometimes. But now he was learning to pause, understand what he was feeling, and choose a better response.

Then, one morning, Boris woke up feeling so light and joyful that he sneezed.

“Achoo!”

Boris sneezing as a blue butterfly flies from his nose

A beautiful blue butterfly flew out of his nose.

Pip stared.

Then he burst out laughing.

“You’re welcome!” he chirped.

Boris laughed too.

And for the first time in a very long while, the Forest of Frowns heard something other than a growl.

It heard a bear laughing.

And Always remember that “Jesus Loves You”.

What We Can Learn

Sometimes anger is not really about anger.

We may be hungry, tired, frightened, frustrated, or overwhelmed, and those feelings can come out as anger.

Learning to pause and understand what is happening inside us can help us respond more wisely.

And sometimes, a little food, rest, laughter, or kindness can change the whole moment.

A Teaching Point for Parents

Children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling.

A child who is hungry may become irritable. A tired child may suddenly become difficult. A frightened child may become angry. An overwhelmed child may have a meltdown.

This does not mean we should ignore wrong behaviour. It means we should learn to look beyond the behaviour and ask, “What might be happening underneath this reaction?”

Correction may sometimes be necessary, but wisdom knows when a child first needs food, rest, reassurance, a hug, or simply a moment to calm down.

Before we respond to the anger, let’s learn to understand the child.

Scripture to Remember

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22

Boris discovered that joy could change the way he responded to frustrating situations. This verse reminds us that a cheerful heart can bring strength and healing.

Bedtime Prayer

Dear Lord,

Please help me understand my feelings and respond wisely when I am angry or upset.

Help my parents and other grown-ups understand me too.

Give us patience, kindness, and wisdom to know what we need in difficult moments.

Fill our hearts with Your joy, In Name of Jesus the Christ.

Amen.

Talk About It

Why was Boris always so grumpy?
What did Pip do that helped Boris?
Can you think of a time when you were hungry, tired, scared, or upset and became angry?
What can you do when you feel angry?

One Little Thing to Remember

Before you roar, pause and ask: “What am I really feeling?”

The Story

What We Can Learn

A Teaching Point for Parents

Scripture to Remember

Bedtime Prayer

Talk About It

One Little Thing to Remember

More Stories for Children

The Story

What We Can Learn

A Teaching Point for Parents

Scripture to Remember

Bedtime Prayer

Talk About It

One Little Thing to Remember

More Stories for Children

The Story

What We Can Learn

A Teaching Point for Parents

Scripture to Remember

Bedtime Prayer

Talk About It

One Little Thing to Remember

More Stories for Children

The Story

What We Can Learn

A Teaching Point for Parents

Scripture to Remember

Bedtime Prayer

Talk About It

One Little Thing to Remember

More Stories for Children

The Story

What We Can Learn

A Teaching Point for Parents

Scripture to Remember

Bedtime Prayer

Talk About It

One Little Thing to Remember

More Stories for Children