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The Teaching Parent
Having been a teacher, I remember the joy of summer vacation. Now, as a parent, I realize there are no more vacations. Being a "teaching parent" is a full time job!
The home is the primary place of learning for children and adolescents. Parents have the awesome privilege and responsibility of helping their children learn the basics of life.
As Christian parents we turn to God for help in training the children he has entrusted to us. The following paragraphs aim to help Christian parents learn what to teach and how to carry our their tasks.
Children need to learn to whom they are responsible
Christian children are taught to obey their parents, pastors, teachers, policemen and other persons of authority, Along with obedience there should also be respect for elders and others whom God has placed in charge. But foremost, children need to realize their responsibility to God. Then obedience to the others will follow.
Christian parents will remind their children of God’s great love in sending his Son to die for them. Their love for God will be the basis for doing good and avoiding wrong. Parents need to teach their children to think, "What would God say about this?" before doing, thinking or saying anything.
Christian children try to do their best at school not only to please their parents but to make use of their God-given talents. They avoid the abuse of drugs not because they fear arrest but because their bodies are temples of God. Christian youths choose music and movies which are God-pleasing in content. They realize they are responsible to their loving, yet firm God.
Parents are primarily responsible for teaching their children
Many child psychologists say the first five or six years of a child’s life set the pattern for the remainder of his life. Christian parents will make the most of these years.
Parents of infants can sing songs about Jesus and talk about the Savior. By starting early, parents will find it easier to talk about Jesus as their children grow older. Also, none of us knows how much God helps babies understand,
Parents of toddlers can say, "Jesus loves ____________"(child’s name) while pointing to a picture of Jesus, a heart and their child. They will teach their young ones to pray at mealtime, bedtime, anytime.
Parents and older children can talk about the beauty of God’s creation while on a walk or while fishing. They can praise God for a sunny day or for a wet day that quenches the earth’s thirst.
Parents of adolescents can speak frankly to their youths about pressures they face. Our world glorifies brains, brawn and beauty. A child lacking one or more of these may be made to feel worthless. Young people need to realize that a heart devoted to Christ is most important. If the parents put Christ first and do no follow the crowd, their children will more likely follow God’s commands rather that peer pressures.
Children need to learn responsibility
Teach work! Studies have shown that children who are expected to do chores at home while growing up become working, responsible adults. A child of four can empty wastebaskets. Ten-year-olds can do house and yard work. A sixteen-year-old can complete home duties in addition to a job.
Help your children learn to be responsible for their actions. A youngster who dumps out sandy shoes on the carpet can vacuum it up. A child who breaks a window can save money to pay for it.
God alone can help us teach our children as we should
The teaching parent first needs to be taught. They know that the source of their wisdom must be God’s wisdom.
God is with us in his Word. In addition to the regular study of God’s Word, Christian parents will read Christian guidebooks and attend Christian parenting sessions.
We will turn to God daily in prayer for strength and wisdom to be good parents. We will teach our children to pray for the desire and ability to be obedient children.
Below are some specific teaching suggestions for parents. Please note that there is no section entitled, "Religious Training." God and his Word are not merely a part of our lives; they are our all in all. They are to guide all our thoughts, words and deeds.
Specific teaching suggestions
Physical skills:
Studies show that adults are becoming more exercise conscious, but not kids. Studies also show that children who sit in front of the television a great deal tend to snack, resulting in overweight youngsters. Get your child in activities which build the body and endurance. Teach sports and activities which last a lifetime: golf, bowling, tennis, crafts, hunting, fishing, camping, skills needed to maintain a home
Intellectual skills:
Create interest in learning. Let your child see you reading educational materials and viewing educational programs. Speak, speak, speak with your child. Use appropriate terms as you cook, sew, balance a checkbook or fix a motor. Make use of programs offered by parks and libraries. Enjoy more listening activities: tapes, oral readings, radio programs. Many children are so used to visual learning that they never learn to listen.
Values and attitudes:
Help children deal with shortcomings. Remind them to do their best with the talents God has given them. Help them develop one skill they are good at to help make shortcomings less painful. Help your children give God the credit for their talents. Guide your child into independence. Allow freedom of choice gradually in matters which are of less importance to you: a child of six may choose his Saturday breakfast; a twelve-year-old the color to paint his room; a sixteen-year-old the place for a family outing. Pick friends, places of entertainment, and types of music and movies which are wholesome and God-pleasing. That will help your child to do the same.
Something to think about
A family discussion might center around, "Who are your heroes?" and "Why?" Parents can gain insight as to what is important to their children.
Compare your guidelines as to what is acceptable entertainment with God’s guidelines in Ephesians 4:17-5:21.
Name some ways you can involve your entire family in a study of God’s Word.
Sit down and make a list of priorities...the activities which must come first for the spiritual growth and family unity your household needs.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, the perfect Teacher, I come to you as a parent who needs your guidance as I guide my child in your ways. I fail so often. Please teach me as I search your Word. Please give me a firm, fair, yet loving heart as I deal with my child. Help him be receptive to your Word and my teaching. Keep our family faithful to you eternally and help us dedicate our all to you in love, Amen.
The Family of God series is copyright © 1985 Northwestern Publishing House. and is published under the auspices of PACE (Partners Advancing Christian Education), Wisconsin Lutheran High School Conference, Milwaukee, WI. Reprinted by permission.
Northwestern Publishing House
1250 N 113th Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA 53226-3284
Phone: 1-800-662-6022
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