Instilling Christian Values
Today, instilling Christian values can be especially challenging for parents. As society in general suffers a decrease in family values, children are inundated with negative influences. As the traditional family of years ago becomes a mere memory, many children are being raised in single parent homes. As a result, elementary and high school students are coming home to an empty home, and at least two or three hours of unsupervised activity. Many parents have no choice. However, the sad fact remains, more mums and dads are abdicating parental responsibilities, and children are left to their own devices. Thus, drug and alcohol use is on the rise; although teen pregnancies may be on the decline, teenagers are still looking for love in all the wrong places; and respect for people in authority is almost non-existent. How can parents combat the
influences of society and raise kids with Christian values? Three areas are a great place to begin raising Christian adults: monitor television viewing, be involved in the children's education, and make the sacrifices necessary to be a present parent.
In order to raise Christian children, parents need to monitor television viewing. Cable television is a wonder of the modern age; the programming can also be a nemesis of Christian values. Although television can be a great source of entertainment and information, sex, crime, foul language, and disregard for authority is also prevalent. Cartoons often promote ideas contrary to Christian values. Parents must be vigilant. Know what the children are watching. Assuming an afternoon children's program is acceptable viewing is a big mistake. View what the children are watching. If the show is contrary, in any way, to the principles taught in the home, change the channel or turn off the set.
Parents: know what is taught in school and the people with whom the kids spend social time. School age children spend the majority of waking hours at school. Thus, the school has a great influence on a future Christian adult. For example, although evolution is taught as a theory, the material is presented, and tested, as fact. While Christians need to know what is really going on in the world, parents are responsible for discussing contrary issues and instilling the proper values. Communication is the key. Talk to the children about every school day. Keep in contact with the school. Attend parent-teacher conferences. Be involved.
Some parents have chosen to be totally involved in a child's education through home schooling. To combat the negative influences at school, and for safety reasons, more parents are opting to turn the dining room into the classroom. With the establishment and growth of home schooling associations, children have ample opportunity to participate in group activities and make friends with similar moral values. Parents and children have the support needed to ground children in Christian faith.
Unfortunately, many parents do not have the option to home school, always be around to monitor the influences of the media, or be actively involved in school programs. Living expenses often require a duel family income. Having a stay-at-home parent is not possible. Nevertheless, many parents can make sacrifices to be home more often. For instance, many parents say they want the children to have everything they did not. While the goal is understandable, consider the alternative: As adults, most kids do not care whether Mum and Dad gave them a big house, with two cars, all the finest furnishing, etc. Memories are generally of time well spent-together. Troubled adults remember raising themselves, and Mum and/or Dad are not around, or too concerned about their own habits and needs.
A summary suggestion: In the grand scheme of life, things are so unimportant. If parents want to truly instill Christian values, be present. Decide what are real needs, and the "wants" one can do without. Children need parents more than material possessions. Be a proactive parent, aware of what children are learning, how they are being entertained, and who is on the other end of the phone. Make sure to maintain an open line of communication, and live by example. Instill Christian values by living accordingly.
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In order to raise Christian children, parents need to monitor television viewing. Cable television is a wonder of the modern age; the programming can also be a nemesis of Christian values. Although television can be a great source of entertainment and information, sex, crime, foul language, and disregard for authority is also prevalent. Cartoons often promote ideas contrary to Christian values. Parents must be vigilant. Know what the children are watching. Assuming an afternoon children's program is acceptable viewing is a big mistake. View what the children are watching. If the show is contrary, in any way, to the principles taught in the home, change the channel or turn off the set.
Parents: know what is taught in school and the people with whom the kids spend social time. School age children spend the majority of waking hours at school. Thus, the school has a great influence on a future Christian adult. For example, although evolution is taught as a theory, the material is presented, and tested, as fact. While Christians need to know what is really going on in the world, parents are responsible for discussing contrary issues and instilling the proper values. Communication is the key. Talk to the children about every school day. Keep in contact with the school. Attend parent-teacher conferences. Be involved.
Some parents have chosen to be totally involved in a child's education through home schooling. To combat the negative influences at school, and for safety reasons, more parents are opting to turn the dining room into the classroom. With the establishment and growth of home schooling associations, children have ample opportunity to participate in group activities and make friends with similar moral values. Parents and children have the support needed to ground children in Christian faith.
Unfortunately, many parents do not have the option to home school, always be around to monitor the influences of the media, or be actively involved in school programs. Living expenses often require a duel family income. Having a stay-at-home parent is not possible. Nevertheless, many parents can make sacrifices to be home more often. For instance, many parents say they want the children to have everything they did not. While the goal is understandable, consider the alternative: As adults, most kids do not care whether Mum and Dad gave them a big house, with two cars, all the finest furnishing, etc. Memories are generally of time well spent-together. Troubled adults remember raising themselves, and Mum and/or Dad are not around, or too concerned about their own habits and needs.
A summary suggestion: In the grand scheme of life, things are so unimportant. If parents want to truly instill Christian values, be present. Decide what are real needs, and the "wants" one can do without. Children need parents more than material possessions. Be a proactive parent, aware of what children are learning, how they are being entertained, and who is on the other end of the phone. Make sure to maintain an open line of communication, and live by example. Instill Christian values by living accordingly.
Do you want to use this article? Well you can as long as you do not edit or delete the resource box. Click Here to download.
