SINGLE-PARENTFAMILIES CAN SUCCEED -Single Parents, Multiple Challenges

The Need for Reasonableness

After a divorce, children benefit from regular contact with both parents. Suppose the parents have different religious beliefs;  one is Jehovah's Witness, and the other is not.  Regular and open communication helps to avoid unnecessary conflict.  "Have a reputation for being reasonable," wrote the apostle Paul.   (Philippians 4:5, Phillips) Children should be taught to respect both parents' rights to practice their religion.  

The non-Witness parent may insist on having the child attend religious services at his church. What can the parent who is one of Jehovah's Witnesses do?  She can also share  her religious convictions with the child.  In time, the child can make his own decision regarding religion, as did young Timothy, whose mother and grandmother likely taught him Bible principles.  (2 Timothy 3:14, 15) If the child feels uneasy attending services in another religion, perhaps he can consider the Bible character Naaman, who after becoming a true worshipper continue to carry out his duties by accompanying the king who worshipped at the house of Rimmon.  This account  may reassure the child of Jehovah's love and understanding despite his presences at religious ceremonies to which he is unaccustomed. -2 Kings 5:17-19. 

The successful parent is able to mold the thinking of the child or children and to understand their feelings. (Deuteronomy 6:7)  Note: Once they get a little older,  and can make decisions, you cannot force your religion on them or make them  go to church, Jehovah does not want that either)  True, parents who were never married might feel embarrassed over their former life course. However, such parents need to remember that children who have two biological parents.  Children want to know about both parents, and they need to feel that they are wanted, not just unfortunate accidents.   By speaking respectfully of the absent parent and giving answers that someone the child's age can grasp or needs to know,the parent can provide the child with loving reassurance. 

Parents should remember that a child's first impressions of love, authority, and power are shaped by the relationship the child has with his parent.  By the loving exercise of authority and power, the Christian parent can do much to prepare the child to have a loving relationship with Jehovah and to have respect for arrangements in the congregation. -Genesis 18:19. 

Next time: SINGLE-PARENT Families  CAN SUCCEED -Single Parents, Multiple Challenges/Children's Cooperation Essential

From the Awake! magazine