Parenting

I've heard parents say, “But I don’t want my children to think I don’t trust them.” Trust is important, but it is never unrealistic. 

Several years ago, a friend and I were driving through a neighborhood on a beautiful summer day and he said, “We haven’t seen a single kid outdoors. They’re all inside, watching movies, playing video games and looking at computer screens.”

I had the pleasure of meeting Kelly Needham and her husband, Christian singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham. I appreciate what Kelly has to share in this article, as she thoughtfully challenges us to be like our Savior in our attitudes toward children.

Who is God? Who is mankind? What is God like? Does God have a plan? Do even bad events serve God’s purposes? In light of the great number of young people who reject their faith, we must encourage our children to think through these questions.

Some years ago, I sat with my daughters at a wonderful father/daughter banquet at our church. Someone at the table asked my youngest daughter, Angela, what I’d done that made the biggest impression on her. I had no idea what she would say, but of course I hoped for something spectacular. :)

Ask the Holy Spirit to make you sensitive to the needs and interests of your children (and grandchildren). The following points might be good starting places for your conversations with them.

I grew up in a non-Christian home, having a father who, most of the time, wasn't there. Yes, there is a hole that was created by his absence. Yes, that affected my attitude about the importance of fatherhood, but in a different way than you might expect. 

What qualities does God want us to develop in our children? No need to guess. Scripture tells us specifically.

Ever since my children could talk, I have been instilling in them a joy and longing for Heaven. My daughter especially loves to talk and ask questions about Heaven. However, this is unsettling for my husband.