Today’s generation tends to have an unstable sense of morality. What’s being taught to them by the Internet contradicts what their teachers and parents teach them. Because the youth generally prefers leisure over their studies, many of them gravitate towards the so-called values the world wide web imparts to them.
Since giving up the Internet can’t be an option in the current tech-driven world, what parents can do best is to be an example for their kids and be active in teaching them Christian values. The things they learn from their excellent Christian school will only be strengthened if they’re also being applied at home and anywhere they go.
Let’s learn how us parents can effectively influence our kids to live by their Christian upbringing.
Teaching Children
Since children are still attached and very much dependent on their parents, we can say that teaching Christian values is easier on them than on teens.
When your kids begin asking questions about anything, including those that seem irrelevant to their Christian faith, do you best to answer the sensibly. To a young child, a simple “why” can already unravel multiple possibilities.
Never answer their whys with “because I say so” or anything alike. To connect more deeply with them, make proper family time, where everyone will unplug and just spend time with one another. You can share stories, play games, cook or bake, and create something as a family. Quality time bonds families closer together and helps parents understand their kids’ aspirations profoundly.
Read Bible stories to them, then ask them important questions afterwards such as “What is the main point of the story?” “Why did this character do what they did?” “What would you do in a similar situation?”
As your kids answer those questions, it will be an opening for you to share your own values, and why you think it’s important for your children to acquire the same of such.
Influencing Teens
With teens, especially those that haven’t been exposed to a Christian environment, teaching spiritual values can be more challenging. Their sense of what’s right and wrong tends to be influenced by pop culture, and disagreeing with them may make them feel offended and unaccepted.
But instead of trying to “fix” your teen, make your home a safe place for making mistakes. A Christ-centered home isn’t a place for perfection, but rather for love. It should be filled with grace that will heal the wounds of their hearts, which can be antagonism, biting humor, and a set of corrupted moral values.
When you teach them Christian values, remember that you aren’t a perfect parent, and it’s possible that some of your teen’s wounds are inflicted by you. Hence, don’t hesitate to apologize and admit your shortcomings. A home that promotes owning up to wrongdoings and forgiveness will encourage your teen to open up their hearts and minds for your teachings.
Instead of imposing rules that they must read the Bible or attend Bible studies, simply practice good deeds at home. They’ll absorb them and realize that God’s teachings are of humility, kindness, compassion, and all other good things that go against the “lessons” being promoted in pop culture. Teach them the importance of discipline, self-control, gratitude, and prayer.
Praying together as a family also helps a lot, regardless of your children’s ages. When one family member is facing a difficulty, openly pray for that particular family member so that your kids see that you acknowledge their hardships and that you intend for them to overcome it without judgement coming from you.