As parents, we have a tremendous responsibility to raise our children with strong values and a solid moral compass. One of the most effective ways to instill these values is through everyday actions and interactions. As it says in Proverbs 22:6 " Train up a child in the way he/she should go and when he/she is old he/she will not depart from it." It is up to us as parents to instill Godly values within our children and the only way to do it correctly is for them to see it in our actions. However, we're all human and we're far from perfect, so we have to give it our best and pray for the Lord to guide us.
Here are five tips for raising little disciples:
1. Lead by Example
Children learn by observing and imitating their parents. It is crucial to model the values and behaviors you want to instill in your children. You know those times when your child says something that you said a while back that may have not been so nice? That's your proof. Ouch. However, this too is a teaching moment! This is when you talk to your child and admit that you were wrong and explain that we don't talk like that and apologize and let them know you'll do better. They watch everything we do whether it be good or bad. Whether it's showing kindness to others, being honest, or practicing gratitude, make sure your actions align with the values you want to teach. Jesus did this for us, he lead by example. He is our guide and as parents our goal is to guide our children through their childhood life, just as Jesus led by example for us. We want to strive to provide our children with the same level of guidance and support that Jesus has shown us.
2. Create Teachable Moments
As mentioned above regarding teachable moments, everyday situations provide countless opportunities to teach values. Whether it's sharing toys with siblings, helping a neighbor, or making responsible choices, seize these moments to discuss the importance of kindness, empathy, and responsibility. A great example I remember teaching my daughter when she was in her early teens, she'd come home almost daily crying from the cruel things her friends would say or do. I used that time to tell her to please please always remember exactly how your feeling in this moment and no matter how hurt you are make sure you never make anyone feel this way. I never knew how that moment would impact her life in the way it did. She was always the kid that took up for every other child that was made fun of or any new student, she took under her wing. I didn't realize back then what I was doing as a parent, I just accidentally did the right thing. Even so, it was a teachable moment for me to realize how important teachable moments are. As parents, be mindful of your behavior and stay aware of your child's surroundings. This will allow you to use various situations as teachable moments and this is where the Bible can be your guide as you create these teachable moments from a Godly perspective.
3. Encourage Critical Thinking
Instead of simply telling your children what is right or wrong, encourage them to think critically and make their own decisions. Ask open-ended questions that prompt them to consider the consequences of their actions and the impact they have on others. No matter the age children need to learn to make their own decisions. For example, if you have a toddler you can start by giving them two choices, this outfit or that one. As they grow, let decision making be age appropriate. It's crucial for them to learn how to make correct decisions while receiving guidance from a parent. This way, they'll develop the ability to think critically and make the right choices as adults.
4. Foster a Sense of Empathy
Empathy is a crucial value to teach children, as it helps them understand and connect with others. Encourage your children to put themselves in someone else's shoes and consider how their actions might affect others. This can be done through storytelling, role-playing, or discussing real-life situations. I believe that teaching children empathy is of utmost importance. By understanding and connecting with others, they can develop compassion and kindness. There are several examples in the Bible of empathy and Jesus had an enormous amount of empathy.
5. Reinforce Positive Behavior
When your children demonstrate values you want to encourage, make sure to acknowledge and praise their efforts. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in reinforcing the importance of these values and motivating them to continue practicing them. Acknowledge and praise your children's efforts when they demonstrate values you want to encourage. I am reminded of Matthew 7:12 as I am writing this, it says "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." As parents we can easily get caught up in telling our kids what they should and shouldn't do, often without explanation and that is where we begin going down the wrong road. Make sure that you're reinforcing positive behavior with your child/children.
By incorporating these tips into your daily interactions with your children, you can effectively teach them important moral & Godly values that will shape them from little disciples into adult disciples that are compassionate, responsible, and empathetic individuals.
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