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Conversations

Parenting Conversations 

Families on the Run by Beth Barnett

Try these ideas

  •  Print a verse and put it on the fridge for the week.
  • Write on the bathroom mirror with a white board marker.
  • Save a verse as your family's computer screensaver, change it each week.
  • Text a verse to your kids phone.

Discussion starters YOU can use at home with kids whenever a tough topic arises.

  • What do you think about that situation?
  • What doyou think God thinks about it?
  • What would you do if you were in that situation or wht do you think you should do?

These discussions don't have to be deep and meaningful.  What they can be are opportunities for you to open communication lines with their kids that lead to greater trust and honesty.   When you feel equipped to talk about tough issues with your kids, you're much more likes to lead conversations toward God.

 Guiding Conversations

  • What happeneed today that reminds you of God?
  • What did you see today that reminds you that all people are sinners and need Jesus Christ?
  • What did you hear or see today that did not agree with the trurths of the Bible?
  • What part of God's creation did you enjoy the most?

Pouring God’s Word into your children’s minds and hearts.

 Parents, here’s an idea to help you have daily spiritual conversations with your kids at home.  This can be done either individually if they leave for school at different times, or together as a family.

  •  Proverbs is a great book to start, because there’s one chapter for every day of the month. You don’t need to start at the beginning, you can start today.
  • Whatever day of the month it is, use that chapter.   You can read one verse, a portion of the chapter, or the entire chapter.  
  • Eg.  3rd day of the month.   Chapter 3v 27,28 leads to a discussion on paying our debts.
  • The whole conversation could only take a few minutes.
  • You could say “I wonder what that means, What do you think?”
  • Your kids will surprise you with their insights.
  • They might like to choose which verses to discuss.

Moses speaking to the Hebrew people in Deuteronomy 6 v 5-9 says.

Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!
Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts.
Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children.
Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street;
talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.
Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder;
Inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your gates.

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.

Homework time -

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 what 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.