Parenting by the Book
STUDY 142
Text: Proverbs 15
14 March 2004
Dear Parents,
TEACH CHILDREN HOW TO SPEAK WELL!
How do some children grow up so well-spoken? How is that some others are nasty, rude and given to using foul language? Much of what happens to our children depends on the kind of upbringing they are given! Let us be challenged to help our children to grow up and become well-spoken people.
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,
And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!Proverbs 15:23
TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO APPRECIATE THE ART OF CONVERSATION
Bringing up children is indeed a most challenging task. Let us consider the task of helping our children to answer questions well.
1. The first lessons of the art of conversation
The first lessons of the art of conversation begin at home. The most basic conversation involves the raising of a question and the giving of an answer. We do this all the time! We were probably not as conscious of this process as we should be!
2. To every question there must be a response
Teach children how to respond! Whenever there is a question, an answer must be given! Children pick this lesson up very easily!
3. Every response is either appropriate or inappropriate
Not all responses are appropriate. It is vital that we teach our children how to come up with appropriate answers.
4. Associate joy with every appropriate response
If children associate joy with every appropriate response, they would soon learn how to appreciate good conversation.
5. Advanced lessons
As children learn how to speak well, soon it would be time to teach them how to speak “a word in due season”.
a) Children must be taught not only how to speak appropriately good words.
b) They must also be taught when to speak such words.
When children learn how to speak skillfully, they would bring great joy to hearers. Ultimately, they would reap rich blessings on themselves.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie