Partners in Parenting

"Kids Can Be the Best Example"

A common phrase in our house to any one of the three kids is, "It's not all about you."  This comes on the heels of a complaint or general unhappiness with what they have to do.  I used the phrase a few times too many for my liking in the past few days, but it sure fit the situations.  As my kids try to learn that they are part of the family, part of the equation (not the answer), part of the consideration, part of the dilemma, part of life, etc., they have some hard lessons to learn in regard to who matters most.  It is not them.  Then I came across a Bible verse that reminded me that kids really do matter ALOT - to God!  In Matthew, Chapter 18, the disciples ask who is the greatest in heaven, and Jesus calls over a little child to stand in their midst and says, "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (vs 3), "whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest..." (vs 4), "whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me" (vs 5), "See to it that you do not look down on one of these little ones." (vs 10).  Hmm, kids are important in the eyes of God.  They should be in our eyes too, but what Jesus is talking about here is their ability to believe in Him.  Children believe their parents when they are young, but as they grow older, they may start to think they are smarter than their parents.  They think they have life figured out.  Parents know that they don't.  As our kids are part of life for parents, maybe parents should be mindful of their ability to believe.  When it comes to many decisions, kids are only part of the decision.  When it comes to faith, kids may be the best example!

 

Family Discussion Points!

Who believes things easiest in your family - is it the youngest?

Why do you think Jesus talks about kids being the greatest in Matthew 18.

Talk about how each family member is only PART of the whole.  Is it true when a parent says, "It's not all about you!"  Will talking about this help your family?  How?

Partners in Parenting

"Nuances of Language!"

Over Spring Break, our family went camping in the Smokey Mountains for a few days.  We met a wonderful family from Georgia at the campsite next to us.  It was great to make some new friends, but they talk funny!  Actually, they didn't talk funny at all - just different from us.  So did the people at the grocery store, gas station, restaurants, etc.  Here are a few words I loved hearing:  ya'll (singular or plural), perdy instead of pretty, sweet instead of nice or kind, 'dem instead of them, and a few other variations or words.  I was also called “sweetheart” by people all the time at restaurants or stores.  It seems strange to write these words, but it all flowed out naturally by the people accustomed to the dialect of the area. 

This exposure to the nuances of language reminded me of some that our kids have.  "Sick" means really cool (just like it did in the early 90s when it was popular).  Texting itself is a nuance of language.  New words emerge all the time.  New meanings to words emerge just as often.  It will all change, and parents need to keep up with the nuances of language that their kids use.  Language is used to communicate, and communication needs to be clear to effectively foster relationships.  The southern nuances of language were clear to me.  No matter what words get used, it is important to keep communication clear and to the point you are trying to make.  Paul writes about that in his letter to the Corinthian church:  "But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue." I Corinthians 14:19

Family Discussion Points!

What are some cool "slang" words in use right now?  Have your kids help you!!

Figure out this riddle:  I'm talking to my father’s child.  My mom has 4 brothers. I have 2 adopted cousins.  I am an only child, but my family has 4 pets.  Who am I talking to?

Notice how language can be very unclear the more we talk sometimes.  How do you need to communicate better as a family?  Is short and simple better?  What will you do to make that happen?  Discuss this topic together.

(riddle answer:  I am talking to myself)

Partners in Parenting

"Nuances of Language!"

Over Spring Break, our family went camping in the Smokey Mountains for a few days.  We met a wonderful family from Georgia at the campsite next to us.  It was great to make some new friends, but they talk funny!  Actually, they didn't talk funny at all - just different from us.  So did the people at the grocery store, gas station, restaurants, etc.  Here are a few words I loved hearing:  ya'll (singular or plural), perdy instead of pretty, sweet instead of nice or kind, 'dem instead of them, and a few other variations or words.  I was also called “sweetheart” by people all the time at restaurants or stores.  It seems strange to write these words, but it all flowed out naturally by the people accustomed to the dialect of the area. 

This exposure to the nuances of language reminded me of some that our kids have.  "Sick" means really cool (just like it did in the early 90s when it was popular).  Texting itself is a nuance of language.  New words emerge all the time.  New meanings to words emerge just as often.  It will all change, and parents need to keep up with the nuances of language that their kids use.  Language is used to communicate, and communication needs to be clear to effectively foster relationships.  The southern nuances of language were clear to me.  No matter what words get used, it is important to keep communication clear and to the point you are trying to make.  Paul writes about that in his letter to the Corinthian church:  "But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue." I Corinthians 14:19

Family Discussion Points!

What are some cool "slang" words in use right now?  Have your kids help you!!

Figure out this riddle:  I'm talking to my father’s child.  My mom has 4 brothers. I have 2 adopted cousins.  I am an only child, but my family has 4 pets.  Who am I talking to?

Notice how language can be very unclear the more we talk sometimes.  How do you need to communicate better as a family?  Is short and simple better?  What will you do to make that happen?  Discuss this topic together.

(riddle answer:  I am talking to myself)