PARENTS-TRAIN YOUR CHILDREN WITH LOVE

Skillful Parents  Encourage Good Study Habits

How can a parent's attitude toward Bible study influence a child's relationship with God?  For any relationship to grow and survive, the individuals involved must not only talk to each other but also listen.  One of the ways we listen to Jehovah is by studying the Bible with the aid  of publications supplied by 'the faithful and discreet slave.'  (Matthew 24:45-47; Proverbs 4:1, 2)  Therefore, to help their children develop a lasting, loving relationship with Jehovah, parents do well to encourage them to develop the habit of studying God's Word.

How can children be helped to develop good study habits?  Again, a parent's example teaches best.  Do your children regularly see  you enjoying personal Bible reading or study?  True, you are likely very busy caring for your children, and you may wonder when you can find time to read and study.  But ask  yourself, 'Do my children regularly see me watching television?'  If so, could you use some of that time to set a good example for them regarding personal study?

Another practical way  parents can teach children to listen to Jehovah is by having regular family Bible discussion.  (Isiah 30:21)  Some may wonder, though, 'Why do children need a family study if their parents regularly take them to congregation meetings?'  There are several good reasons.  Jehovah entrusts parents with the primary responsibility to teach their children.  (Proverbs 1:8; Ephesians 6:4)  Family Bible study teaches children that worship is, not a formal ritual observed only in public, but part of the family's private life. -Deuteronomy 6:6-9.

In addition, a well-conducted family study can provide parents with a window into their children's thinking on spiritual and moral matters.  For instance, when children are young, parents can use such publications as Learn From the Great Teacher.  In almost every paragraph of this Bible study aid, children are asked to express their opinion on the subjects discussed.  By reasoning on the scriptures mentioned in the book, parents may be able to help children to develop their perceptive powers "to distinguish both right and wrong.' -Hebrews 5:14.

As your children grow, adapt the study to their needs.  Note the way one couple helped their teenage children to reason on a request to attend a school dance.  The father says:  "We told our children  that during a portion of the next family study, my wife and I would  play the part of the children, and  our girls could pretend to be the parents.  Either child could assume the role of Father or Mother, but the children had to work together to research the subject and to give direction about school dances."  What was the result?  "We were amazed at  how responsible our daughters (in their role as parents) were when explaining to us (as the children) their Bible-based  reasons why  it would be unwise  to go to the dance," the father continues.  "What further impressed us were the suggestions they came up with as acceptable alternatives to this activity.  These gave us valuable insight into their thinking and desires."  True, it requires perseverance and imagination to keep a family study regular and relevant, but the rewards are worth the effort. -Proverbs 23:15.

Next time: Create a Peaceful Environment

Watchtower, 2007