Conclusion of: INCULCATE THE TRUTH IN YOUR CHILD

Most parents know that getting information into a child's heart is not easy.  The apostle Peter urged fellow Christians: "As newborn infants,  form a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word." (1 Peter 2:2) The expression "form a longing" suggests that many do not naturally hunger for spiritual food.  Parents may need to find ways to develop that longing in their child.

Jesus reached hearts by using illustrations. (Mark 13:34; Luke 10:29-37) This teaching method is especially effective with children.  Teach Bible principles by using colorful, interesting stores, perhaps those found in the publication My Book of Bible Stories.  Get children involved. Let them use their creativity in drawing and acting out Bible events.  Jesus also used questions. (Matthew 17:24-27) Imitate his method during your family study.  Instead of simply stating a law of God, ask questions like, Why did Jehovah give us this law?  What will happen if we do not keep it?  Such questions help a child a child to reason and to see that God's laws are practical and good. -Deuteronomy 10:13.  

By being an example, a companion, a communicator, and a teacher, you can help your child from his earliest years to form a close personal relationship with Jehovah God.  This relationship will encourage your child to be happy as a Christian.  He will strive to live up to his faith even when faced with peer pressure and temptations. Always help him to appreciate this precious relationship. -Proverbs 27:11.

Next time: THE VITAL NEED OF DISCIPLINE

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996