for parents
What 5-6 year olds want :-
- Ask me to draw you a picture of how I am feeling when I do not know how to tell you.
- Put a family calendar up so I can know what to expect
- During dinner or right before bed, ask me to tell you the best part and the worst part of my day.
- Read to me and read with me before bed each night.
- Put my memory verse on the mirror, and tell me to read it to myself 5 times as I brush my teeth.
What 7-9 year olds want:-
- Get a journal for me and encourage me to write or draw out my feelings.
- During dinner, or right before bed, ask me to tell you the best part and the world part of my day.
- Have a night that we all cook as a family.
- Read with me or read to me. Then, ask me to write a different ending for the story.
- Create a "question box" for the family. At dinner, we can read the questions together and talk about them.
- As a family, we can act out a story together. This helps me to understand the story better.
- Post prayers of thanks all over the house for the things God has made and given to us.
What 10-11 year olds want:-
- Get a journal for me and encourage me to write out my feelings
- Go running with me or play a family game of basketball with me.
- Look for opportunities for me to serve others along side of you. eg. we can go on the morning tea roster at church together, or visit an old person, or go on a mission trip.
- As we watch TV, dialogue with me about the choices that were made by TV characters. Help me see the connection between these choices and their consequences.
Have a look at this Bible Based Alternative to video and gaming sites for kids. Bible based alternative to video and gaming sites
Focus on the Family
What's your parenting plan Check out this site http://www.thrivingkidsroadmap.com/
Words kids need to hear!
I knew you could do it!
Good on you!
What do you think?
I believe in you! (When a parent believes in you, you begin to believe in yourself. Express your belief for your children now just the way they are) Mathew 3v 17
You can count on me! (It's like saying I care, I'm here to support you) Hebrews 13v 5
I'm sorry, please forgive me (the ability to confess (apologise) and forgive are two very important life skills you can share with your child) James 5v 16
Conversations
Moses speaking to the Hebrew people in Deuteronomy 6 v 5-9 says.
In other words take every opportunity to chat with your children.
Table talk - at meal time ask questions like "Ok Josh, what were you doing at 11am this morning?" Josh answers and then it's his turn to ask the same question, inserting whatever time he chooses.
On the Road - driving along in the car is a perfect opportunity to chat.
Bedtime - there are few time during the day when kids are more receptive than when they're ready for bed.
Correspondence - place a note in their lunch boxes, tape it to the mirror, or send a note in the mail.
"Coke dates" - take your son/daughter on a 'date'. It doesn't have to be expensive to make a big impact.
Family devotions - taking time to come together in a family meeting at least once a week to read scripture and pray for each other is a great way to keep a family close and strong.
After church - during the drive home, dig a bit deeper into wht your son/daughter absorbed at Kids' church.
- Use encouraging words
- Stop and count to 10 before criticising
- Be honest: say what you mean and mean what you say.
- Model good language : children will pick up your words and expressions. If you don't want your child to use swear words, don't use them yourself.
Family Values
Download this page of family values. Family Values