I was talking to another parent yesterday at church about how my third grade son was coming home from school and asking us some heavy questions related to the birds and the bees. My husband has skillfully answered his questions. We try and give him the answer to his question and no more at this point, though we’re realizing we need to go on at some point soon.
The other parent commented how it was good that our son was comfortable to come and ask us. I honestly had not thought of that, but I am so glad that he is.
I grew up in a Christian home and I always knew that I could go to my parents for help or advice, no matter what (and I dropped some bombs on them, believe me). So one of my goals, as a parent, has been to be approachable to my kids. I want them to know that they can come to my husband and I and ask our advice or what things mean, or talk about a problem they’re having.
I’m not quite sure what we did right but apparently, through God’s grace, we’re doing something right. Thinking back, we have always tried to talk to the kids. For instance, what did you learn in Sunday School becomes how they can apply it to their life. When they had issues with friends or each other we tried to do more then just discipline, we discussed as well (which should go hand in hand, there is middle ground between being a drill sergeant and your child’s best friend).
Hopefully we can continue this relationship with our son and our other two will feel comfortable as well.
Filed under: children, christian, Family, gospel, kids | Tags: children, christian, God, happiness, happy kids, Jesus, parenting, spirituality
Check out this article.
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/life/story.html?id=b2f3c15d-7cde-4c63-bac1-1d2959dc3a40(sorry, haven’t learned how to correctly ad links yet)
I wonder why spirituality helps to make children happier. Maybe it’s because they have a hope in something beyond themselves, an eternal hope.
I wasn’t raising my children as Christian’s so they would be happier, I had more eternal reasons in mind. However, glad that others are seeing that not only does a relationship with God bring salvation (through Jesus) but also peace and happiness in this world.
Makes me think of the old kids songs “I’m so happy, so very happy, I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart!” and “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart…”
Filed under: arts, children, christian, Family, kids, parenting | Tags: arts, children, christian, kids, parenting
Many times we think that our kids are too young to be exposed to the arts. Too young to learn about the great minds and artists that came before us and surround us today. However I think we need to give them more credit and to broaden their horizons a bit. I can tell you from experience that my kids both survived and enjoyed the art Museum (although Conner seemed to think that the sculptors were interactive and kept the guards looking at us and now wants to decorate with all of the modern furniture, which of course is very practical and affordable). They’ve taken in musicals and ballets and lived to tell the story.
You can also do this on a budget. Go to the Philly art museum on a Sunday, when it’s by donation. See a local play (Cherry Hill East does an amazing job) where tickets are cheaper or even free (such as at local parks in the summer). Rent a DVD of a musical, or borrow one from someone you know. Check out what’s coming up on TV even. We watched “The Phantom of the Opera” as a family and my kids know more scripture from viewing “Godspell” over and over then I could ever memorize.
What does this have to do with their faith. We serve a very creative God. We can have a relationship with the creator of the universe. As his image bearers, we in turn have creativity. There were great creative minds that came before us that painted masterpieces and composed beautiful pieces that taught God’s word or praised him for what he’s done. Maybe someday the budding artists in our homes will do the same.
Any ideas on ways to introduce your children to the arts?
Learning as we Grow 