IMITATE JEHOVAH WHEN TRAINING YOUR CHILDREN

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

To be successful in training children, parent must strive to  keep open the lines of communication with their young ones.  Jehovah, though fully aware of what is in our heart, encourages us to communicate with him.  (1 Chronicles 28:9) After giving the Israelites the Law, Jehovah assigned the Levites to instruct them, and he sent the prophets to reason with them and to correct them.  He also showed a willingness to hear their prayers. -2 Chronicles 17:7-9; Psalm 65:2; Isaiah 1:1-3, 18-20; Jeremiah 25:4; Galatians 3:22-24.

How can parents imitate Jehovah when they communicate with their children?   First and foremost, they must make time for them.   Parents also do well to avoid thoughtless comments that ridicule, such as,  "Is that all?  I thought it was something important;"  "That is silly;"  "Well, what do you expect?  You are just a child."  (Proverbs 12:18)  To encourage children to open up, wise parents who ignore their children when the children are little may find themselves ignored when the children are older.   Jehovah has always been willing to listen to his people.  He keeps his ear open to those who humbly turn to him in prayer. -Psalm 91:15; Jeremiah 29:12; Luke 11:9-13.

Consider also how certain aspects of God's personality have made it easy for his people to approach him freely.  For example, King David of ancient Israel sinned gravely by having an adulterous relationship with Bath-sheba.  Being an imperfect human, David committed other serious sins in his life.  Yet, he never failed to approach Jehovah and seek his forgiveness and reproof.  Undoubtedly, God's loving-kindness and mercy made it easier for David to return to Jehovah.  (Psalm 103:8) By displaying  such godly qualities as compassion and mercy, parents can help keep open the lines of communication even when children err. -Psalm 103:13; Malachi 3:17.

Next time: Be Reasonable

Watchtower, 2001