"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6
The role of a parent is one of great responsibility and influence, especially when it comes to nurturing their children's faith and upholding a Godly identity, especially in a world that undermines and attacks Christian values. Christian parents must be objective and provide guidance that instills confidence and respect for their children's faith and identity. I want to give some helpful advice based on my experiences as a teacher, providing insights and practical measures for Christian parents to help their children be confident in their faith and identity.
Encourage your children to be confident.
One of our biggest hopes as parents is to watch our children grow into confident individuals who embrace their faith and godly identity with respect and conviction. It is crucial to equip our kids to stand firm in their faith in a world where Godly values are constantly questioned and attacked.
We must set good examples for them to emulate as parents. Do not take your faith for granted or be lazy; be careful not to live by double standards. Our children watch everything we do, and they learn best by observing. We demonstrate the significance of our convictions in Christ by exhibiting strong and unshakeable faith. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the apostle Paul urges us, "And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." When our children see us practicing our faith genuinely and respectfully, it gives them a firm model to emulate.
Parents must always maintain open and honest communication with their kids. Make a secure environment for your children to express their thoughts, ask questions, and share their problems. Encourage them to express their worries and uncertainties and participate in meaningful discussions to help them better grasp God's Word. Encouraging open discourse can steer our children toward being confident and respectful. We must instill in them the value of meditating on the words of God on their own with an open heart to receive divine revelations from the Holy Spirit. We are taught in 2 Timothy 2:15 to
"Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth."
Encourage Bible reading, meditation, and contemplation regularly, individually and as a family. Teach them to discover the richness and depth of God's Word and equip them to explain and defend their faith when faced with obstacles. Encourage your kids to attend godly gatherings and socialize with Godly people. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us not to abandon the assembly of believers because it creates a supportive environment where our children can grow and be encouraged in their faith. They can develop a sense of belonging and find strength in unity by cultivating relationships with other Christians.
Help your children develop a sense of purpose and meaning. They are the light of the world! Help them understand that their faith and identity as Christians are not supposed to be concealed wherever they find themselves and under any circumstance but rather to be shared with others. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Also, Proverbs 1:8 says, "My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don't neglect your mother's instruction." Let us be careful when cultivating our children's faith and identity so they can journey confidently and respectfully down the path God has laid out for them.
Teach your children to pay attention.
As Christian parents, we must closely monitor our kids and watch for any changes in their behavior that may harm their health, morality, speech, or other areas of their well-being. Our responsibility is to be actively involved in our kids' lives, nurturing and guiding them toward a path of righteousness. One place to closely monitor is their physical and emotional health. We must be able to promptly discover any significant or minor changes in their behavior, mood, or overall well-being at all times. Are they displaying signs of distress, anxiety, or withdrawal? Are there any sudden changes in their eating or sleeping patterns? Recognizing and addressing these signs early on makes it easy to offer them the support and guidance they need.
Equally important is the observation of their moral development. Keep an eye on the choices they make, the company they keep, and the values they exhibit. Proverbs 20:11 says, "Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right." If we notice any concerning behavior or deviation from Godly principles, we must address these issues promptly and provide appropriate guidance to steer them back on the right path. Speech is another aspect of our children's lives that warrants our attention. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us,
"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."
Pay close attention to their language, both in their interactions with others and in their self-expression. Are they using words that align with godly values? Do they speak with kindness, respect, and love? Addressing any inappropriate, racist, or harmful speech patterns can help shape their communication skills and ensure that their words reflect their identity in Christ. Also, be mindful of their exposure to media and technology, as these platforms significantly influence their worldview and behavior. Monitor the websites they visit and the kinds of social media platforms they engage with. Philippians 4:8 says: "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." We can help protect their hearts and minds from worldly or satanic influences by guiding them toward media choices that align with these biblical principles.
Listen to your children.
It is not enough to merely hear our children's words; we must listen to them intimately and passionately, with an open heart and mind. We must actively listen to our children without judgment, allowing them to express themselves fully and honestly. Listening to our children without judgment means creating a safe and non-threatening space for them to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. We must resist the temptation to jump to conclusions or criticize their perspectives. Instead, let us approach their words with patience, empathy, and understanding, seeking to grasp their perspectives and emotions. By listening intently to our children, we demonstrate our love and respect for them, validating their experiences and emotions. This encourages trust and open communication, allowing children to confide in us and seek advice when necessary. We become a viable source of wisdom and guidance when we listen to our children sincerely and humbly.
Carefully listening to our children gives us vital insight into their hearts and minds. It helps us understand their struggles, fears, and ambitions. By genuinely hearing them, we can discern their needs and provide them with support and encouragement. Through listening to our children, we can draw out their thoughts and emotions, guiding them toward a deeper understanding of their faith and godly identity.
Befriend their friends and pay attention to red flags.
It is crucial to be aware of your children's friends and to try to build relationships with them. By befriending their friends, we can better understand the dynamics of their social circles and influence them positively. Proverbs 13:20 advises,
"Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction."
By surrounding our children with godly companions, we help cultivate an environment that nurtures their faith and reinforces their values. Building friendships with our children's friends allows us to observe their behaviors, attitudes, and influences more closely. We can be attentive to red flags, such as negative peer pressure, questionable character, or immoral conduct. We can promptly take appropriate steps to guide and protect our children from harmful influences by being attentive to their friendship choices. You must also foster a relationship with your children's teachers. Teachers play a significant role in shaping our children's lives, especially during their time away from home. By befriending our kids' teachers, we establish a partnership in their education and well-being. By nurturing a connection with their teachers, we gain insight into our children's academic progress, character development, and any concerns that may arise.
Befriending our children's teachers also allows us to work together to create a supportive and conducive learning environment. We can collaborate with teachers to reinforce the values and principles we instill at home, ensuring a consistent message is conveyed to our children. By building friendships with our kids' teachers, we can support and encourage them in their vital role as educators, fostering a holistic approach to our children's growth and development.
Give them your time.
Our time is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer our children, as it is one of the ways we show our love and how relevant they are to our lives. In the middle of life's rush and bustle, we must remember that our children are more important than our business, profession, or company. Mark 10:14 reminds us of the value Jesus placed on children. We must provide a loving atmosphere where our children feel respected, heard, and loved, so they will not seek confidants and company elsewhere.
We must also be there for our children in the online world. While being their number one fan on social media platforms, we should balance being supportive and respectful of their boundaries. Proverbs 20:29 advises, "The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old." We should celebrate their achievements, encourage their endeavors, and engage positively in their online presence without intruding or violating their privacy. Parenting requires wisdom and discernment in knowing when to be firm and when to compromise. Rather than being rigid, adopt approaches based on the situation and the individual needs of our children. Ephesians 6:4 advises,
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord."
Set boundaries, provide guidance, and be open to dialogue, understanding, and finding common ground. Doing so will promote a strong parent-child bond based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. Giving our children our time creates an environment that nurtures their growth and development. Being present in our children's lives shows our love, support, and commitment to their well-being. Our children are a heritage of the Lord, so let us cherish and invest in them, for they are indeed a precious gift entrusted to us by God.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/skynesher
Emmanuel Abimbola is a creative freelance writer, blogger, and web designer. He is a devout Christian with an uncompromising faith who hails from Ondo State in Nigeria, West Africa. As a lover of kids, Emmanuel runs a small elementary school in Arigidi, Nigeria.