Do I MAKE my kids play outside?
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Romans 12:18
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My youngest still isn’t talking.
Your oldest started talking right on time. Your second, early. But your third? She’s STILL not talking. Other than asking for a bottle or calling your name, it’s just gibberish. You encourage her. You coach her. Still, nothing. And then you realize, your OTHER kids are talking FOR her. In our family, our older two would actually put words in her mouth, saying things like, “Mom, she’s just asking for a cookie.” Or, “She’s saying that I didn’t do it.” Just be patient. When it comes to communicating, remind your other kids that little sissy needs to talk for herself. Then, ask her to point to things she wants. Then coach her. Mine talked late, but then didn’t stop. Spiritual lesson? Sometimes it CAN be serious, but don’t worry. Seek help if you need to, though.
U.S. Christians are pretty weak.
As we look around the world today, we’re seeing persecution against Christians. In China, churches are being closed. Believers—jailed. Evangelism for those under 18—prohibited. Yet Christians keep working. In the Middle East, Christians are beaten. Ostracized. Yet outreach continues there. More Muslims are coming to Christ than ever before. What are we teaching our kids? Are we telling them that following Christ is easy or a battle? Are we telling them stories of our brothers and sisters who are suffering for their faith, yet joyful because they love God so deeply? Suffering for Christ is an honor for our friends—is it for us? We need to remind our kids that being teased for our faith is expected. Remember, Jesus said if they hated Him, they’ll hate us, too.
I think I found it in Hezekiah.
Do you love your Bible? Most Christians will tell you they do, but did you know that 60% of Christians in the United States don’t read it? In an article in Christianity Today, Ed Stetzer tells us the biblical illiteracy rate among churchgoers is awful—he says almost 1 in 5 say they never read the Bible1. If that’s the case, no wonder they can’t name the Gospels, the disciples, or more than 5 of the 10 Commandments2. How often do WE read the Bible? And how often to our KIDS? Mom and Dad, as Christians our top priority is to train them in the way of the Lord. How can we do that if we’re not READING His handbook? Get our free Keys for Kids app and start today. Get the app: https://www.keysforkids.org/app 1LifeWay Research study, as quoted in “The Epidemic of Bible Illiteracy in Our Churches” by Ed Stetzer, ChristianityToday.com 2From Barna Research Group, as quoted in “The Scandal of Biblical Illiteracy: It’s Our Problem” by Albert Mohler, AlbertMohler.com
Four kids in sports? What am I going to do?
Cara is a mom with four boys. She says, “Cost, time...no matter how you shake it, it’s a challenge.” She suggests one sport per kid per season. Even THAT’S expensive and time-consuming. She actually prays over her calendar every season, and so far God has provided. Because eating together is a priority for her family, “portable meals at fields or chips and cheese after games” when they get home are frequent. But she says, “DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY”—and never feel guilty about “what…works for you.” She says sometimes she misses being home, but while it’s crazy-busy, it’s fun watching your kids “do what they love, try new things, step out of their comfort zones, and learn.” Spiritual lesson? Don’t let these events become idols. Based on a Facebook post by Cara Campbell, a mom to four boys. Used by permission.
“You’re homophobic”—is that good or bad?
That comment came from a young person claiming to be a Christian. The adult who was the target of that criticism was a bit taken back by it. First, the accused was shocked that the person had said that about him. Secondly, he wondered if he failed to love people who need Jesus who practice that way of life. The accuser said, “You HATE being around gay people.” To which he said, “Well, I’m uncomfortable around openly dogmatic gay people, but I’m also uncomfortable being around drunks, people who swear, and gossipers.” Jesus was accused of being a friend of sinners. What will our kids say about us? Do we love people—even sinners? Let’s teach our kids to follow Jesus’ example and share God’s Good News, which IS love.
My kids told me they’re divorcing.
I went to the gym this week. A gym acquaintance was there. But, this day was a little different. He was on his stomach looking at his phone and tears filled his eyes. “I know God doesn’t give us more than we can handle, but…” In one week he lost his father-in-law, two sons are in the hospital (one critical), and his other son announced that he and his wife were divorcing. I prayed with him and then asked, “What are you going to do?” He said, “Trust God and continue to speak the truth and love. That’s all I can do.” As we stand beside our adult kids, they need to see that, despite the trials, we STILL trust God. No matter their walk, all involved will see God giving strength in the storm.
I don’t even WANT to be around that kid.
I heard that comment recently from a Sunday school teacher. This was somebody who taught for YEARS. She was so frustrated by the lack of respect shown to her by some of her fifth-grade students. Lack of engagement. Blurting out. Utter rudeness. I get requests all the time from parents asking me to address this issue. So, here it is. Mom and Dad, if our kids are rude, it’s because of sin, no doubt. But WE need to help resolve the problem. TEACH respect. Boys open doors for girls. Look adults in the eye when you talk to them. “Yes, sir” and “Yes, ma’am” should be standard responses. PRACTICE it. If our kids can’t respect adults, how are they going to respect God and His Word?
Racism is serious, and roots are deep.
Today’s politics seem to be throwing the racism accusation around often. Frankly, a lot of us may not be racists, but we just act foolish trying NOT to be. We try to avoid the trappings of racism by encouraging our kids to go to the inner city, or invite the inner city to us. Kenda, a friend of Keys for Kids, says these are great intentions, but when she hears this, she feels as if we’re discovering a new alien life form—and not speaking of a person. While our skin may be a different color, the idea that we’re “different” has to change. So, parents, what do we do to help our kids change the perspective? Pray. Ask God to give us guidance. And then just love people. That example speaks volumes.
Tattoos are in—I want one.
I don’t know how you feel about tattoos, but I don’t like them. Other people can have them, that’s fine. But for me, I just couldn’t mark up my skin with something I’ll probably get sick of in just a couple of weeks. Teens are getting them left and right these days—some of them will prevent them from getting good jobs or cast that bad-boy or bad-girl image. While they’re in NOW, they may not be 10 or 15 years from now. Our rules? No tattoos and (other than pierced earlobes) no piercings while living under our roof. No, they’re not sinful by themselves (although they can be), but for our family, it gave our kids time to mature—needed when creating something they’ll have to live with for the rest of their lives.
My wife and daughter fight all the time.
An 18-year-old daughter was acting entitled. On top of it, she was treating everyone in the family as peons. While Dad was away on a business trip, it all hit the fan. So, when he got home, he turned her world upside down. With a broken heart, he told her she now was required to pay for her phone, insurance—everything. And when she graduated from high school, she had to find her own apartment. Rather than getting angry, she realized her sin and emotionally confessed. But Dad did something unthinkable. He said, “Words are great, but go about your life prepared to do all we talked about. It’s good training.” With a twinkle in his eye, he looked at me and said, “I can’t wait to show her grace and mercy.”