Tag: family
Guest Post: Celebrating Easter as a Family
For the next post in our Easter blog series, we have a guest blog from Aaron Conrad – a dad of 3 who blogs about faith, family and fatherhood. In this post, he talks about how his family celebrates Easter and their use of the popular craft Resurrection Eggs.
I love this time of the year. I find the way that nature comes back to life to celebrate another season and the hope of things to come fascinating. I love Easter Sunday morning with all of the children in their new spring outfits and hats. Our three children also look forward to the neighborhood Easter egg hunt each year to fill their baskets.
I would be lying if I said this isn’t an incredibly competitive event with each Dad strategically positioning their child and pointing out the best available “stuff”. We arrive early to find our place on the rope separating us from “the goods” and develop a game plan. When the horn sounds, it’s game time. “Elbows out” I yell as they make their way towards their respective goals. We’ve brought home some pretty strong wins over the years including a chocolate bunny that was over a foot tall.
Although I am kidding (well, kind of), and all of the pageantry and celebrations are fun, we do our best each year to remind our children that the real celebration of Easter is the foundation of our faith. It is the weight of the sacrifice on Good Friday and the promise of eternity with Him on Sunday.
When I say “we” what I really mean is that my wife does an amazing job of pouring into our kids and keeping a major focus on what is the most important part of Easter. She does this by utilizing what is commonly known as “Jesus Time” in our home. Each morning before school starts, they pause to do a devotional time. Throughout the school year, they work through various devotionals and bible studies geared toward children.
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In the days leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday they have used a product called “Resurrection Eggs” that my wife purchased a few years ago. There are 12 different colored plastic eggs with a surprise inside. Each surprise is a part of the story of Easter (a nail, a crown and dice for example). The final egg is empty to represent the empty tomb. Included with the eggs is a booklet to walk them through the story for the day and scriptures to support the story. It is a wonderful resource and guide for telling the Easter story. The kids like to anticipate what will be inside each egg as they learn the key elements of the resurrection story. You can see a past post on the What’s in the Bible? blog explaining how to make your own resurrection eggs here.
I’m so thankful for my wife and the investment she makes into the spiritual nurturing of our children each morning. By creating a foundation of bible study and reflection, she is able to transition directly into the Easter season and key elements of our faith. Our children are well versed in the Easter story and how important the sacrifice that Christ made on our behalf is. While there are so many fun things about this time of year, celebrating our risen King, our hope and our eternity with Him makes it even more special. Happy Easter to each of you and as Tony Campolo says…”It’s Friday….but Sunday’s coming!!!”.
How To Talk To Kids About Lent
During most of my childhood, growing up in a liturgical denomination meant that Lent was about “giving up candy or sweets”. I was taught that Lent is the season of self-denial and giving something up made sense, but it wasn’t something I necessarily looked forward to. Lent didn’t have the outward beauty of Advent, with its evergreen wreath, Christmas hymns and weekly candle lighting. It was somber. It was almost too reflective for a kid. What is Lent all about, anyway?…this season of self denial, penance and meditation? How do we teach our kids it’s more than just giving up candy for 40 days?
As a young adult, I explored the deeper meaning of Lent and how very important this season can be in preparation to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection! As with any BIG event in our lives, we must prepare ourselves. Lent is literally a time of reflection on the passion of Jesus; 40 days in which we reflect on the hugeness of what our Salvation is and the plan that God had for each of us through Jesus. It’s also very baptismal in nature. It is a very prayerful time in which we prepare ourselves to celebrate the grace of our forgiveness, our gift of salvation and the hope in the Resurrection.
How to Talk to Kids About Lent
Talking to our kids about Lent means we first have to understand the history and meaning behind WHY it’s celebrated. Look for a great article about “what is Lent?” to be posted this week on the What’s in the Bible? blog. The important thing is that we do take the time and talk to them about what this season leading up to Easter is all about.
If you want to start talking to your kids today, the first day of Lent, two very important teaching tools we parents use everyday are symbols and story. If you walk into most liturgical churches during Lent, you’ll find that many of their altars are decorated using desert plants and large bowls of water or even simple waterfalls. These two symbols are important during the Lenten season. The desert experience reminds us of the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert before being allowed into the Promised Land. It is also very symbolic of the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert being tempted and tempered before beginning His earthly ministry. The number “40” is symbolic too. Nothing Biblical is random and that’s important to share with our children.
Water is an important symbol in Lent. Lent is a time we work towards an inner renewal of our Baptism in Christ. It is a season when we delve a little deeper into our faith and understanding of our salvation through grace. Since Lent is baptismal in nature, it’s a good time to discuss baptism with our kids. Talking about how the water is either poured over their heads or how they are immersed, and how it’s a symbol of dying to a life without Christ and being resurrected to a new life– a forever life–with Him. Using story to enhance this visual, share with them the actual Bible story of how John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. And how Jesus loved us so much He gave us this beautiful example to better explain God’s gift of salvation.
Practicing Lent as a Family
If your family celebrates fasting during this season, talk to your kids about why the family isn’t eating meat on Friday. (It is customary that only people who are 18-59 are expected to fast throughout Lent, although some families do decide to include everyone in the meat-fast on Fridays or at least on Good Friday). First, it’s an act of self-denial. In our consumerist society a little self denial can really teach virtue! Secondly, it’s meant to unify the church with the poor, both locally and throughout the world. Lent has always been a time when individual families, churches and schools collect money for the poor and for missionaries who serve locally and abroad. Giving up meat each week allows families to put that extra money towards this offering. Kids tend to love collecting /saving change for a church offering if they know that this money will be helping others in the world!
Another way we can instruct our children to “fast” during their Lenten journey, is by encouraging them to be more loving to brothers, sisters and parents. Fasting from arguing with siblings or talking back to parents for 40 days will lead to good practices that might even last past Easter Sunday!
Resources for Lent
Lent is a time when prayer with family is essential. We are truly preparing for Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. There are several good devotionals to be found online or at Christian bookstores. Many families use these weeks to read the Passion of Jesus in the Gospel. My very good friend, Denise, who shares my deep love of learning religious traditions and church history, and who has taught Catechism classes for years, recently told me about a book, “He is Risen; Reflections on Easter and the Forty Days of Lent.” What I especially like about this book is that it can be utilized by all Christians, no matter their specific denomination.
For any who have never been to Stations of the Cross, I encourage you to find out if your local Catholic, Lutheran or Episcopal church is holding these services on Good Friday. It is a prayerful service that literally walks the participants through the Passion of Jesus. The entire family can take part in this service and then discuss our forgiveness of sins through the amazing love and sacrifice of our Lord; once again in preparation to celebrate His Resurrection in three days!
If you have any suggestions for family devotionals or other ways in which we can help teach our children about the importance of preparing to celebrate the Resurrection, please share with us in the comments section.
Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger, who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN.
How to Talk to Our Kids About Food Allergies and Inclusion
If you aren’t the parent of a child who has severe food allergies, you may be wondering what this topic has to do with anything Biblical. The fact is that many parents spend a huge amount of time protecting their children from the hidden dangers that seemingly harmless food items can cause. Reading every label, asking to speak to a restaurant manager before sitting at the table, and providing education to all caregivers is something that these parents do without hesitation. There are many Bible verses about raising up and protecting our kids. Danger can sometimes be classified as something spiritual, but many times danger also encompasses the physical. Perhaps a surprising fact to some, a child with food allergies can actually die from complications if mom, dad, teacher or caregiver don’t take the necessary daily precautions to ensure their safety. I can’t think of any better word to define such daily acts of protection, other than LOVE.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
Kids who have allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, dairy, shellfish or gluten learn early on the importance of how live within their limitations because it can be a matter of life or death. Most are taught by the time they’re in preschool how to avoid the foods which will hurt them. Even at this young of an age, they are keenly aware that they can not go anywhere unless an adult accompanying them is carrying their epinephrine pens, oral antihistamines, and an inhaler. This medication arsenal is just something that is taken wherever they go…in case of exposure. But what do the other kids–or even adults– think about these weird dietary restrictions and precautions? Are kids sometimes ostracized because they can’t eat what other kids eat?
As the mother of a child with a life threatening food allergy, I appreciate the openness of other adults who want to learn how to protect my son when he’s at their house or if they cook food for a gathering, which he’ll be exposed to. Actually “appreciate” is too mild of a word. I want to physically hug these wonderful people to express my sincerest gratitude, because for a long time people (even relatives) took my son’s food allergies pretty lightly, even to the point of ignoring simple requests to ensure his safety and my peace of mind. We missed several parties over the years because the risk of exposure was simply too great to ignore.
We must lovingly educate our kids about a few safety precautions. First, for our kids who DON’T have food allergies, remind them that it’s best if they don’t share or trade their food with another friend, in case there is a food allergy present. School age kids who DO have allergies need to be reminded to not eat any food with unknown ingredients or known to contain (or may contain) any allergen to which they are sensitive. This includes foods at any classroom, church or birthday party.
When we talk to our kids about food allergies, we must reassure them that other children who may have a special diet are still just regular kids in most other ways! God created us all to be a little different. In His eyes we are all wonderful in our uniqueness. Our friend may not be able to drink milk or eat eggs, but she likes to play the same games, and watch the same shows that we like. She likes to dance and swim and ride her bike. It’s okay to invite our friend over after school, and it’s definitely okay to invite he or she to a birthday party! We can help our kids grow into caring adults when they see us take the extra time to talk to the parents of their friends, ensuring that we can provide a safe environment for everyone.
If you are the parent in charge of bringing in food for a class or church gathering, it’s such a loving gesture to ask if there are any known food allergies which you should be aware of. Perhaps you can bring in gluten free cupcakes, a fruit platter or fresh veggies and dip. Making these simple additions to party planning enables everyone to feel included. Inclusion is such an important life lesson to give our children, especially with the prevalence of bullying going on these days.
It has become pretty common to have kids with food allergies in almost every classroom. Most schools have standards in place to help keep kids safe. But I urge the parents of kids with food allergies to continue to educate people in authority positions in their churches and any club that kids belong to. Two great sites for resources and downloads are the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative.
Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger, who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN.
Spiritual Power Naps for Mom and Dad
2 Chronicles 32:7-8 Be strong. Be brave. Don’t be afraid. Don’t lose hope. The king of Assyria has a huge army with him. But there’s a greater power with us than there is with him. The only thing he has is human strength. But the Lord our God is with us. He will help us. He’ll fight our battles.The people had great faith in what Hezekiah, the king of Judah, said.
Are you a parent that feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders these days? Perhaps it’s the economy that has caused a realistic worry about your family’s future. Even though we know that we should not be anxious in anything, we often still really struggle with taking ahold of that truth and then we compound things by worrying that we aren’t being great examples for our kids! Sometimes being a Christian parent feels like wading in a riptide zone – always having to swim against the current.
It can be mentally exhausting swimming against that tide. A little nap sounds wonderful!
When I was working in the medical field, I remember how the doctors who’d be on call 24+ hours would take power naps in order for them to stay on their game. It amazed me that these brief naps would totally rejuvenate them! Research has shown that these little naps are even more beneficial than longer naps because the person does not get into deep sleep, which would then cause grogginess and disorientation upon waking. Instead they fall asleep immediately and are easily awoken, feeling totally refreshed.
There’s a trick to these power naps, though. A person who is efficient at power napping is able to, in a way, “turn off their mind”. For this short span of time, they don’t worry about what needs to be done, what mistakes they have made during their day or what will happen during their absence. They’re able to formulate a personal inner peace that reinforces the belief that all will be well in the world for the few minutes they sleep.
In 2 Chronicles, when King Hezekiah told the people that the Lord was with them and would fight their battles, they RESTED upon his words. His reassurance gave them inner peace enabling them to do this.
Those words are still true and applicable in our own lives today! The Lord is with us, ready to fight our battles! Take refuge and rest in that knowledge! Lay down those heavy burdens and trust that He is there helping you.
If the mistakes of your past haunt you; if the future frightens you; or if you’re exhausted because you’re trying to be the super-glue that holds everyone in your family together in an unraveling world … rest on the the faithfulness of the Lord. He is with you. He will fight your battles.
Practice the idea of taking a spiritual power nap. Let go for a few minutes, knowing that your Father has it under control. Empty your mind and rest, as He renews your Spirit.
Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger, who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN. Follow her personal blog posts on www.talkinglikeagirl.blogspot.com.
Family Resolutions Series: Getting Spiritually Fit in 2012
We’ve spent the last couple weeks discussing our New Year’s resolutions. So far our concentration has been on making changes that will improve our physical bodies. This is because most of us focus our attention, especially during the first few months of the year, on losing weight and getting into shape.
But what about our spiritual selves? What changes can we make during the next twelve months that will help us get spiritually fit?
As I pondered this question, I knew I had to enlist the help of one of my best girlfriends, Kathy Lonsinger. Kathy has helped many people, worldwide, find comfort and direction in Jesus through her online ministry, A Gentle Answer. I came to Kathy asking her to write down her thoughts about helping our families get spiritually fit in the new year.
According to Kathy, “Every resolution or exercise program begins by evaluating your current condition. We usually determine we need to stop or start certain habits or behaviors such as STOP smoking, drinking, overeating, or overspending; or START exercising or saving money in order to reach our goals. If, as Christian families, we are going to begin 2012 trying to get spiritually fit we must examine our condition.
Does your family spend time in prayer?
Does your family worship with a body of believers?
Does your family seek first the kingdom of God so all “these” things will be added … health, financial, spiritual fitness?
Do you need to stop or start behaviors that are keeping you from being spiritually fit?
In order to answer some of these questions we don’t need a trainer that will yell at you loudly to motivate you, we simply need go back to the basics. We must obey the regimen already spelled out in scripture for a healthy Christian family.
The plan of salvation must be first.
His word tells us to:
SUIT UP
In the same way you put on your workout clothes to go to the gym, you must dress accordingly to tackle your spiritual fitness program.
The Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-11
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
DEEP KNEE BENDS
Seeking advice from the experts and your doctor are always recommended when you begin and maintain your physical exercise program. By praying as a family you are seeking the counsel of God and presenting yourself for close examination in order to pinpoint areas of weakness. Children who see their parents exercise tend to exercise. Likewise, children who have the example of a prayer filled life tend to pray. Bend the knee, repeat often.
Pray in the Spirit on All Occasions: Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
STRETCH
Stretching is for the purpose of preparing your body for the actual exercise. As Christians, we must stretch our knowledge of the Word of God. Add scripture memory and Bible Study to your family routine. Some great places to start:
1. As a family, read through Proverbs taking one chapter a day for a month. Highlight and memorize some of the verses together helping the younger children and keeping the length age appropriate.
2. Consider reading the words spoken by Jesus (using a Red Letter edition of the Bible) together as a family to find out what He actually says in scripture. If He tells you to do something…just do it! (Sorry Nike)
3. Don’t forget your “BE” Vitamins. Take a look at the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5.
4. Read Ephesians 5 and reflect on the verses outlining each family member’s instruction in the Bible… Wives/Husbands/Fathers-Mothers/Children.
WALK
Doctors always say to simply start walking to increase your fitness level. In order to begin our walk with Jesus we must walk as He walked. (1 Corinthians 11:1) As you continue imitating Christ, your children will be imitators of you. Imitate Christ, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. (Ephesians 5:1)
PRESS ON
Okay so you blew it in 2011! So what! Now…Press on toward what is ahead; the goal. Don’t you love the fact that we are allowed to start over? Philippians 3:13-14
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
REST
Our muscles need to rest in between workouts in order to repair, restore, and strengthen. We must also enter into HIS rest in order to repair, restore, and strengthen. In the Old Testament we are told to keep the Sabbath. Rest is necessary. In the New Testament we are invited to enter in to the rest, our Sabbath is the Lord. Rest in Him. Go to Hebrews 4 to read more on this.
As with any fitness program, you will have days when you fall off. Get back up and keep going!!!
On your mark…get set…GO!!!”
Kathy Lonsinger is a Christian, wife, mother of four, student of the bible, and the founder of A Gentle Answer Ministries. She is the editor and one of the writers for the ministry’s online magazine which features stories of hope, Christian media and entertainment, and family resources for parents and grandparents. Kathy has her own blog that reaches readers from Australia to Austin. She has been featured on National Christian Radio’s “The Parent’s Plate” and Our Daily Journal daily devotional. You can follow her on twitter.
Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN. Follow her personal blog posts on www.talkinglikeagirl.blogspot.com.
What the Nativity Means to Us
As in most Christian homes, our family has a lovely Nativity which is proudly displayed in our living room throughout the Christmas season. Each year I unwrap the delicate porcelain pieces and place each figurine in their perspective staged place within the manger. It looks picture-perfect.
Many years ago we bought our oldest, and at that time our only, son a play-set Nativity. At some point it was passed on to his younger brother, who still enjoys playing with it. Over the years many of the original pieces have gone missing; it’s no longer what most would call “beautiful” or even remotely “complete”. But instead of worrying over aesthetics, like an adult might, he simply has replaced the missing players with other, somewhat interesting stand-ins. For instance, I’m pretty sure we’re the only family on our block that has Power Ranger shepherds and a LEGO Princess Leia Mary!
Reading about Jesus’ birth in Luke, it’s interesting that out of every possible powerful or influential person in Bethlehem that evening, the Lord chose a group of humble shepherds as the only invited guests to the birth of the Savior of the world. Angels came down from Heaven and announced His birth to these simple working class men! The newly born King was surrounded by individuals who had nothing of material value to give Him, because instead they were the ones who received the greatest gift of all, His Grace.
Isn’t that just like our Lord?
While my son’s Nativity lacks the Renaissance-like beauty that my porcelain Nativity might have, I think his might be a better interpretation of what the Nativity represents. Okay, I’m pretty sure Princess Leia wasn’t there, but the people standing around Baby Jesus were far from picture perfect. They were probably a miss-matched set of players with one thing in common… they were broken and in need of this Savior.
Just like those humble shepherds, we all have been invited to the manger. Each Christmas we are reminded that Jesus doesn’t expect us to arrive at His side, puffed up with our own importance or self righteousness. Instead He desires for us to come to His cradle, humbly, like the shepherds–with all our imperfections. He is OUR GIFT, from the Father.
Lisa Strnad is a contributing writer/blogger to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN. Follow her personal blog posts on www.talkinglikeagirl.blogspot.com.
Buck’s Bible Roundup: Dec. 2, 2011
Look to Buck’s Bible Roundup for the best blogs, articles, and resources from the week to help you effectively teach the Word of God in your homes and in your ministry.
Today’s Roundup:
1. Six Free Printables for Advent (Money Saving Mom)
It’s not to late to celebrate advent with your family. Try one of these six free printables.
2. Christmas Traditions (Faithful Provisions)
A list of great traditions your family can embrace and use to keep the Christmas focus on Jesus.
3. “Story of David” Coloring Page (Ministry-to-Children)
Download this free coloring page about David.
4. Alone with God (The Better Mom)
How important is time alone with God for moms?
5. Five Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy Your Holiday Stories (Simple Mom)
Great ideas to make Christmas more meaningful for your family.
Thanks for reading!
Being Thankful…
There, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you (Deuteronomy 12:7).
Over three hundred years ago, our forefathers gathered together in this new land and gave thanks to God for the blessings which He bestowed on them during the year. With the many daily challenges they faced in this untamed land they still chose to set aside a day in order to give thanks.
I hope that this coming week enables each of us an opportunity to sit with our children and discuss the personal blessings which God has given to our families this past year. It’s a great opportunity to talk with our kids about why we celebrate Thanksgiving, its history and to also discuss our own family traditions. It’s also a good time to remind them that Thanksgiving is so much more than some commercial holiday when we eat turkey, watch football and rest up before getting up super early on Black Friday—the biggest sale day of the year! Yes, it’s much more than that…
Family traditions make the holidays so special. They personalize these wonderful celebrations! Like most ethnically blended families, many of our traditions seem to come in the way of the food we prepare; the chorizo and corn bread stuffing, the rigatoni and meatballs, the hate-it or love-it green bean casserole and my mom’s homemade pumpkin pies—which no one has been able to successfully copy over the years. But I think what I love the most about Thanksgiving is the prayer before we eat. My dad would always find a piece of Scripture which he felt would bless our family for personal reasons. Maybe someone had lost their job, or someone was expecting a new baby, or perhaps the passing of a loved one during the course of the year was still a raw pain in our hearts. He always chose the right Scripture that gave us Hope, peace and remind us that God was there… and above all, that we were to be thankful for His many blessings. We haven’t done a great job of this since dad passed away two years ago. Maybe this year would be a good time to honor his tradition. What traditions do you have as a family?
This summer my family took our vacation in New York City. As we rode out to Liberty Island, I imagined myself as one of the many refugees who sacrificed everything in order to come to this great country, hoping to work towards a better life; willing to do whatever it took to give their family a chance to taste freedom in America. Can you imagine seeing Lady Liberty for the first time, after weeks at sea? Now, imagine reading these words:
Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
~ Emma Lazarus
Happy Thanksgiving! May God’s abundant blessings in your lives, this coming year, be a reminder to you and a testimony to all of His mercies and grace.
Lisa Strnad is a contributing writer/blogger to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works indepently in Christian media in the areas of writing, PR and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN. Follow her personal blog posts on www.talkinglikeagirl.blogspot.com.
How to Talk to Our Kids About Being Bullied
Some people may think that bullying is just a part of growing up. There’s always going to be that mean kid who torments those of us who are different in some way. But the truth is that no one should have to suffer through bullying. Our kids need to know that they can come to us if they are feeling threatened and that we will do something about it.
I write this blog as a mom, not a medical expert, but I believe that talking with our kids is a vital first step in considering how we are going to handle their very personal questions and emotions. Even if our own kids aren’t the bully’s target, they may have heard or witnessed things that make them fearful. Begin by listening to your child. Let him/ her tell their story. Remember that there will probably be emotional pain about the way they or a friend is being treated. Their feelings, fears and emotions need to be validated.
To be effective advocates, parents need to react to the knowledge that their child is a bully’s target in a way that encourages the child to trust them. Projecting displaced anger or throwing out negative judgmental comments will only make them feel more isolated. Asking them why they didn’t stand up to the bully might stop any communication in its tracks! Believe them and support them. Tell them that it is not their fault and that they do not deserve to be bullied. Empower the child by reminding them how special he/ she is, Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Be patient, because children may not be ready to open up to you right away. Talking about the bullying may be very difficult. There could be fear about retaliation from the bully. The child might be feeling insecure, withdrawn, frightened or ashamed. Give them the time they need to share what’s going on.
Parents can educate their child about bullying by providing information at a level that the child can understand. A good site that may be a useful resource is www.stopbullying.gov This site has some good information that can be shared with kids! Parents can also talk to their kids about workable options in dealing with bullying behavior.
For parents who have younger kids or kids with special needs and who suspect that there might be a bullying issue going on, here are some questions that might get conversation started:
· How was the bus ride today?
· Who did you sit next to today at lunch?
· I notice that you seem to be feeling sick a lot and wanting to stay home. Please tell me about that.
· Are kids making fun of you?
· Has anyone touched you in a way that did not feel right?
· Did the child hurt you on purpose?
· Was it done more than once?
· Did they make you feel bad or angry?
· Is the other child (more powerful, bigger, scarier…) than you in some way?
(Adapted from “Your Child: Bully or Victim”, Peter Sheras, Ph.D., 2002)
For older kids, talking about recent events in the news or bullying incidents on TV or in a movie might help lead them into discussion about how they are feeling.
The first step in understanding the emotional, physical or psychological effects bullying is having on our kids is starting a conversation with them and listening to them. All the while reassuring them how much we love and value them as individuals. Praying with them daily will also help empower them with the knowledge that God loves them completely and perfectly as they are– and how very important they are to Him. Everyday, when I drop my kids off at school, I pray for angelic protection to be like a hedge around them. Prayer is an essential part of our role as parents, and knowing that God’s abundant grace is ever-present fills me and my children with the biggest sense of peace.
How do you deal with bullying? Have you had conversations with your children about it? Please share.
Lisa Strnad is a contributing blogger to Whats in the Bible? and JellyTelly several times a month. She is a home schooling mom who works in christian media in the areas of writing, marketing and PR. Follow her on www.talkinglikeagirl.blogspot.com
The Importance of Prayer
Have you ever argued with God? It’s sort of a futile situation, but one in which I find myself caught many times. Hmmm…what’s that definition of insanity again?….
Seriously, last week I was caught in this prayer cycle, asking for the Lord’s clarity and discernment on a troubling situation I was facing. Towards the middle of the week I was getting pretty clear answers from God, which weren’t exactly the answers that I had hoped for. So I did what any child does; I argued with my Father. I emotionally spun out of control, much like a gyroscope.
During this internal struggle between choosing to do what God had placed on my heart and continuing to do what I wanted , I began wondering about praying and the importance we Christ-followers place on it. I’d like to say that I’m always in align with God’s Word, but I’m not. Truthfully, I began thinking maybe if I had just given myself more time to think about the situation…maybe I knew all along what to do. I mean, should we really pray about every little thing?
Perhaps one of our most common errors in situations is to assume that we know the right answer even before praying about it. Another pretty common error is to disregard the answer God gives to us AFTER we pray about it.
The great thing is that we don’t have to beg the Lord to speak to us or to hear us. God is our loving Father who has already spoken through the Word, who continues to guide us by the Spirit, and who eagerly listens for the voices of his children. We are to approach the Lord knowing that nothing would give him greater pleasure than to fulfill the prayers of his children, voiced in accord with his will. Luke 11:9-10 – So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Praying is really a conversation. Conversation is talking and listening. In fact when the conversation is with our Lord, it is best to begin by listening! Finding the time to pray is sometimes tricky enough. But finding the time to be still and silent… that’s really tough! But really necessary. Silence allows us to listen to the voice of God. But as many of us have witnessed first-hand, what sometimes happens is that the Enemy whispers into our ear, “You can see clearly which is the correct path here . . . no need to bother the Lord with this one”…
Proverbs 2: “My son,if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.”
When the need for continuous prayer confuses me, I go straight to the parable that Jesus taught on this very subject. It’s a clear lesson that we can share with our own children which will explain why we pray and it validates that God our Father does listen to each and every one of us…no matter what our age, our Biblical knowledge, or even our lack of momentary discernment. These are the words of Jesus; “Does any of you have a son? What would you do if your son asked you for a fish? Would any father give his son a snake? No! You would give him a fish. Or, if your son asks for an egg, would you give him a scorpion? No! {You are like all other people}–you are evil. But you know how to give good things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father knows how to give the Holy Spirit to those people that ask him.” Luke 11:11-13
How important is prayer in your life? How do you teach your children about the importance of prayer?
