The Value of Adult Guidance - TRAIN NOW

 A child who looks to adults for guidance is more likely to display wisdom and maturity later in life

TEACH BY EXAMPLE

* Am I a good role model for my children?

* Do I show my children that I took look up to those with greater experience as mentors?

* Do I show I demonstrate that my children are important to me by spending time with them?

WHAT WE DID

"Sometimes when I am in the middle of something, my daughter will say she wants to talk. I always make sure that she is a priority, even if I have to tell her to wait a few minutes so that she can have my undivided attention.  My wife and I also strive to set a good example so that she will see that we live by the same principles we are teaching her." - David.

"When our daughter was born, my husband and I decided that I would not work but stay home to help raise her.  I do not regret that decision. It is very important to do as much as possible to be present in a child's life so that he or show will have proper guidance and direction.  More important, being there shows your child that you care." - Lisa.

SPENDING TIME WITH ADULTS

"My children have grown up around a diverse group of adults, and this has helped them to see life through other people's experiences. For example, they were amazed  when my grandmother told them that when she was a little girl, her family was the first one to get an electric light.  She told them that people from surrounding areas came to their house just stand in the kitchen and watch the light being turned on and off.  That story made my children see how different life used to be.  Learning about their great-grandmother in this way also helped them to have respect for her and for other older ones.  When children spend more time with adults-and less with their peers-they are able to see life from a different perspective." -Miranda.

Next time: The Need for Moral Values - WHAT ARE MORAL VALUES

From the jw.org publications