Continue with: INCULCATE THE TRUTH IN YOUR CHILD

Be a communicator. Spending time with your child will help you to communicate with him.  The more you communicate, the better you will discern how is personality is developing. Remember, though, communicating is more than talking. "I had to develop the art of listening," said a mother in Brazil, "listening with my heart."  Her patience bore fruit when her son began to share his feelings with her. 

Children need "a time to laugh . . .and a time to skip about,"  a time for recreation. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4; Zechariah 8:5)  Recreation is very productive when parents and children enjoy it together.  It is a sad fact that in many homes recreation means watching television.  While some television  programs may be entertaining, many destroy good  values, and watching television tends to stifle communication in the family.  Therefore, why not so something creative with your children? Sing, play games, associate with friends, visit enjoyable places.  Such activities encourage communication. 

Be a teacher."You must inculcate [these words] in your son." said Jehovah.  The context tells you what and how to teach.   First, you must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your vital force." (Deuteronomy 6:5) Then, "these words . . .you must inculcate." Impart instruction aimed at developing whole-souled love for Jehovah and his laws.  (Compare Hebrews 8:10) The world "inculcate" means to teach by repetition.  So Jehovah, in effect, tells you that the primary way to help your children develop a godly personality is to talk about him on a consistent basis.  This includes having a regular Bible study with them. 

Next time: Conclusion of: INCULCATE THE TRUTH IN YOUR CHILDREN 

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996