Parents -Shepherd Your Children - KNOW YOUR CHILDREN

A good shepherd carefully examines each sheep to make sure that it is healthy. In figurative sense, you can do the same  for your children.  The Bible says:  "Know well the appearance of your flock."  (Proverbs 27:23) To do this, you need to consider your children's actions and also their thoughts and feelings.  How you accomplish that?  One of the best ways is to have frequents conversations with your children.

Some parents have noted that communication is more challenging when their children become teenagers- they may tend to withdraw and feel awkward about revealing their thoughts and feelings.  If that is true of your children, what can you do?   Rather than force your son or daughter into long, serious discussion, try to take advantage of casual opportunities.  (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7) You may need to put forth extra effort to do things together.  You might go for a walk or a drive with them, play a game, or work together on some chore around the house. Such informal settings may help adolescents feel at ease and more  inclined to open up.


What if your child still seems to be reluctant  to talk?  Then you might try a different approach.  For example, rather than asking your daughter how her day went,  you could comment on how your day was.  She might well respond with observations about her day. Or find out what your child's opinion is  on some topic, ask questions that shift the focus away from her. You could ask her how one of her friends feels about the subject.  Then you could ask her what advice she would give the friend.

Next time: Parents-Shepherd Your Children - Conclusion of KNOW YOUR CHILDREN

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