Today, Northbrook's Children's Pastor and Northbrook's Pastor of Student Ministries answered some of our most popular questions about raising children. Here are some of the questions and answers that were addressed:
- How can we help to grow/mature our children's faith?
- Parents are the primary influence in a kid's spiritual life
- Parents need to model/be the example
- Find opportunities for your children to practice their faith
- Widen your circle: have other adults in your life that kids can emulate and learn from
- Be Honest: share where you are in your own faith and about your doubts and struggles
2.
How can we find balance for our family?
- Prioritize
- Remember that "more isn't better!"
- It's okay to say no!
- Schedule important things (family time, dates, etc)
3.
What type of Bible should I buy for my child?
- Toddler age: Bible app for kids
- 5th/6th grade reading level: NLT
- Older children/teens: a good study bible
- Start reading to them as infants/toddlers
- As they start reading on their own, read with them and model how to read the Bible
- Once they are older, you don't have to read with them, but should check in with them and ask questions like "What is God teaching you?"
4.
How/When should I talk with my children about sex?
- Have honest, open communication about it from the time your kids are little
- It shouldn't be a one-time conversation
- Have the conversation with your child BEFORE his/her school does
- Book suggestion: Teaching Your Children Healthy Sexuality
- Book suggestion: A Chicken's Guide to Talking Turkey with Your Kids About Sex
5.
What can you do about friends that you consider bad influences?
- Make your home the "fun home"
- Carefully "vet" your child's CLOSE friends
- Remember: Iron sharpens Iron
- Our kids can be a light to others on sports teams, in clubs, at school, etc.
