WHAT TO COMMUNICATE

If parents have not already inculcated in their children an appreciation for honesty and hard work, they should by all means do so during the teen years.  (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10) It is also vital for them to make sure that their children wholeheartedly  believe in the importance of living a moral and clean life. (Proverbs 20:11) A parent communicates much  in these areas by way of example.  Just as unbelieving husbands are "won without a word through the conduct of their wives," so teenagers can learn the right principles through the conduct of their parents.  (1 Peter 3:1) Still, example on its own is never enough, since children are also exposed to many bad examples and to a flood of enticing propaganda outside the home.  Caring parents, therefore, need to know their teenagers' views on what they see and hear, and this calls   for meaningful conversation. -Proverbs 20:5. 

This is particularly true when it comes to sexual matters.  Parents, are you embarrassed to discuss sex with your children? Even if you are, make the effort to do so, for your young ones will surely learn about the subject from someone.  If they do not learn from you, who knows what distorted information they will get?  In the Bible, Jehovah does not shy away from matters of a sexual nature, and neither should parents. -Proverbs 4:1-4; 5:1-21. 

Thankfully, the Bible contains clear guidance in the area of sexual conduct, and the Watchtower Society has published much helpful information showing that this guidance still applies  in the modern world.  Why  not make use of this help? For example, why not review  with your son or daughter the section "Sex and Morals" in that book Questions Young People Ask-Answers that Word?  You may be pleasantly surprised at the results.  

What is the most important subject that parents and children should discuss?  The apostle Paul referred to it when he wrote:  "Go on bringing [your children ] up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah." (Ephesians 6:4) Children need to keep learning about Jehovah.  In particular, they need to learn to love him, and they should want to serve him. Here, too, much can be taught by example.  If adolescents see that their parents love God 'with their whole heart and with their whole soul and with their whole mind'  and that this produces good fruits in their parents' lives, they may well be influenced to do the same.  (Matthew 22:37) Similarly, if young people see that their parents have a good reasonable view of material things, putting God's Kingdom first, they will be helped to develop the same mental attitude. -Ecclesiastes  7:12; Matthew 6:31-33. 

Next time: Conclusion of: WHAT TO COMMUNICATE 

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996