3 Biblical Truths for Raising Kids

Establish these biblical truths early on in your kid’s life.  Powerful words below.

Incite Wonder: Children and teenagers grow up continually amazed at the wonder of God and how much He loves them.

Provoke Discovery: Children and teenagers pursue a life of discovery. Their identity is determined by a personal relationship with Jesus and where they are guided by His Spirit and truth.

Fuel Passion: Children and teenagers will have a sense of passion that will mobilize them to do what Jesus did when He was here.

Anger – 1 letter away from Danger

I can remember vividly as a child watching my parents handle anger in several situations.  It wasn’t until recently that I noticed how similar my approach to anger is to my parents. It makes perfect sense.  Kids emulate their parents.

Modeling healthy behavior is very important because your kids are watching how you handle your anger.  It won’t be too long before they start emulating it.  Parents who display positive changes toward their own anger will soon see their children improve how they handle their personal anger.  Guide your child through anger episodes: listen, take their feelings seriously, and help them deal with the issues and find a resolution.  Parents have the final word on what will be done, but the child should recognize that you think their feelings and thoughts are important. A positive model, unconditional love, and non condemning instruction are powerful approaches to teaching your children positive anger management.

 “In your anger do not sin” Ephesians 4:26a

Easter Celebration: Teaching Your Children

Easter is the most significant day celebrated by Christians each year, but families are increasingly sidetracked by modern celebrations of this holiday. The temptation for families is either to leave the emphasis to their church or mix the Easter bunny and activities (i.e. egg hunts) with the sacred truth, which confuses a child.  The Easter story stands alone and only requires the careful handling of the Bible by a loving parent, family member, or close friend.

Remember that Easter is first and foremost about Jesus and His ultimate expression of love for us.  Involve your whole family, regardless of age, in meaningful dialogue about Jesus. With younger preschoolers, it may mean telling the simple story of Jesus and the children and speaking of Jesus’ love for them – Mark 10:13-16. With older preschoolers and children, it may mean telling the story of Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection (Mark 15-16) in a way that instills hope and joy. Both of these stories help lay the foundation for understanding Jesus and his love for people. The Easter story should be told in a way that creates trust and factual understanding. This story encourages children to grow in understanding of Jesus as friend to Jesus as Savior. The telling of this story becomes a step in a process that hopefully will lead children to the point of conversion and spiritual transformation at some point in life.

5 Helpful Hints to teach your children about Easter.

1. Tell the Easter story in a way that creates hope not fear or anxiety.
2. Read the story from Scripture. Avoid giving non-biblical, adult details about the brutality of Jesus’ death.
3. Allow your children to create their own mental image of the story.
4. Emphasize the fact that Jesus is alive… Celebrate the resurrection!
5. Fill your day with what I call “funtivities” and save the best funtivity for the truth about Easter.