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 Training children is a huge responsibility ...
We are guiding the little footsteps of a future generation, and that's a tall order to fill. As parents, the paths we choose to take and the way we live on a daily basis end up impacting those who are watching.
How do we handle inconveniences and interruptions? Do we bark at our little ones when we're busy? Do we fail to look at them when they speak to us? Are we so busy reading a magazine we can't read a storybook now and then? It's possible to be so involved in our own lives (and doing good unto others) that we fail to be good and do good to those who live with us. Ouch.
Life does happen, but it is what we do with what happens that matters when in the trenches of character training. If teaching our children Christian character is important - and the Bible stresses it is - then we had better be busy doing just that while our children are young enough to shape and mold. If we've failed in their formative years, we still have a responsibility to lovingly train our children. Sometimes a genuine apology must preface it.
My husband and I have apologized to our children numerous times! When we failed to be patient or thoughtful, they were wounded - and apologizing is the Christ-like thing to do, isn't it? What amazed us was how quickly they wrapped their warm little arms around our necks and said, "It's okay."
Thank God for His merciful kindness to us as parents. Even though He knows we are not perfect and will make mistakes along the way, He gives us the privilege of being the primary teachers for our children!
The same Lord who knows we are helpless to do this job also promises to enable us. As we look to Him, we will learn more about Him as a loving, forgiving Father. When we draw on His wisdom and strength, He supplies us with wisdom and strength to parent our own children.
Thankfully, when the Lord requires something of us, He will also supply what we need to do it well. Talk about amazing grace!
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Step 1 - Study Proverbs The theme of the book of Proverbs is wisdom. One key verse states that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." If this is true - and Christians hold to this belief - we should be like Solomon in our quest for wisdom. Reading Proverbs and meditating upon its simple-but-profound teachings is good character training.
Solomon, the author of Proverbs, was a young man when the kingdom of his father David was bestowed to him. His chief desire, at that point, was to be a good leader. When God gave Solomon the choice of wisdom or riches, he chose wisdom. As a result, God gave him both wisdom and riches!
Teaching Christian character traits involves knowing our subject well. The principles of wisdom are taught in other books of the Bible and were manifested in the person of Christ Himself. He is our perfect example of true Christian character. Step 2 - Memorize and meditate on scripture - The book of Proverbs has 31 chapters. If you read one a day, you can read the entire book in a month.
- Take notes as you read. Proverbs deals with real life issues: relationships, finances, integrity, parenting, teaching, etc. As you come across a specific topic, list it and jot down each reference (chapter and verse) that speaks to that particular subject.
- There is so much to "chew on" in just one chapter and even in one or two verses! After you read the entire book, re-read and review it for your daily quiet time. It's likely you will have fresh insights into certain verses when you have "ingested" the entire book.
- Memorize and meditate. One verse or one section of one verse can become a powerful inspiration. Take, for instance, "wisdom is the principle thing..." As you meditate upon that throughout the day, you will see how it applies to everyday life. Step 3 - Build your library When studying a particular subject, it helps to build your library with other books and materials that also speak to that subject. The following are highly recommended when it comes to Christian character training:
- Character Sketches: this three-volume set makes a beautiful addition to your library. We bought ours in 1985 and used them daily when the children were growing up. Twenty-four years later, they are still in great shape, and we refer to them often. A link to see these materials is under "Helpful Resources," far-right column.
- Biographies for young children: Reading true stories about real people who face trials helps children learn what Christian character is all about. We made it a point to spend time reading aloud from biographies suited to their ages. Young children love stories about Florence Nightingale, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Matthew Perry, Alexander Graham Bell, Helen Keller, Nathan Bedford Forrest, Booker T. Washington, etc.
- Biographies for grade-school children: The Trailblazer series by Dave and Neta Jackson introduce George Muller, Amy Carmichael, William and Catherine Booth, William Tyndale, and more. See "Helpful Resources" in far right column.
- Books for teens: When you give these books as gifts, you've given something that will return your investment many times over -- Hidden Rainbow, the true story of John and Anna Olesh, who kept a forbidden New Testament in their Yugoslavian village; Splendor of God, the life of Adoniram Judson; Robert E. Lee, the Christian, and The Making of George Washington. G.A. Henty has written many historical novels that teach character and capture the attention of younger and older teens. One example: The Young Carthaginian, A story of the times of Hannibal. Step 4 - Apply, Model and Teach Apply principles of wisdom in your own life as you read, study, meditate and pray . When situations come up that demand wisdom, recall verses you've memorized that apply to your situation.
Model wisdom before your children. "Walk the walk, don't just talk the talk" is applicable here. Our children observe everything -- from our frustrations to finances to fun and games. To model wisdom means to live out what we've learned while studying about wisdom.
Teaching wisdom means sharing with our children God's Word. It also includes good stories and illustrations about wise decision-making in various situations. Discuss people who are wise and have set a good example for us to follow. Stress that our main example is Christ Himself -- wisdom personified. From the book of Proverbs ...
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Character training and common-sense parenting go hand in hand ~
Our children often imitate us. Are we good role models?
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Things you’ll need ... a Bible for studying "wisdom" good character curriculum/resources inspiring stories and biographies
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by Mary Estelle THE SHOUT HEARD ROUND THE CITY
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PARENTS & TEACHERS: We would appreciate your participation in this reader poll. Thank you!
Which would you consider the most difficult character trait to teach? Please select from the following ...
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How early do I start training my child? The moment your child is born, you begin teaching Christian character without realizing it! Your l...
Bible studies for kids
Bible studies for kids: Wisdom
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How to Define Christian Character
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Helpful Resources ~
These books are beautifully illustrated with detailed drawings about God's creation. There are enough character lessons to intrigue your children for months to come. Charts to post where they will seen, following the scriptural command to teach our children "as we rise up, as we sit by the way," etc. Adventures abound in these fascinating books based on history. As your children read, they'll also be learning some valuable character lessons. Forty historical fiction novels that introduce great Christian heroes. Your kids are sure to love 'em! This website features a set of character-building books and activities for you and your children.
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You must first be a logged in Helium user. Click here to join. Children are a reward from the LORD.
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Songs and activities that teach character
Among the many morals and values which children must learn, sharing has to be one of the most important ones. A child who learns how to pro... If you’re looking for songs and activities that teach cooperation, keep reading! The two activities introduced below are simple to prepare... When it comes to early childhood, there’s a fine line between pretending and not telling the truth. At this stage, children ma... Every child should learn good manners so that he/she will develop into a conscientious and responsible adult. While parents have the larges... Help your preschooler learn patience while playing simple games!
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