Mommy and the Joyful Three 02/01/11
Over the years, I have noticed that my children lose trust as they grow older. Disappointments, white lies, or even just finding out a fairy tale is not real takes that trust away piece by piece. It is almost impossible for this to not happen. No child is isolated from life’s realities forever and no matter how hard we try we cannot shield them from disenchantment.
I have known this as a mom for some time, but it still hurt the other day when I told my oldest daughter we could go to the park later and she shrugged and replied, “Yeah right.” I asked her why she was acting that way and she pointed out that last time I said we could, we ended up not being able to go. In her mind, the thunderstorm that came and ruined our plans was no reason for me to cancel and not keep my promise to her.
It is sad to me when they lose a piece of their innocence and trust. Last year, my youngest daughter realized her favorite movie character was just that, a character. She gave up on him as quickly as she found out he was make believe. Suddenly, she began to question everything she saw and seemed to be almost angered by the truth.
In today's media, there are more man-created heroes than ever. And of course, these heroes will fail our children at some point. So in a world full of let downs and constant change, how can we teach our children to rely on God, who will never let us down, leave us, or break a promise? My children and I have discussed many times that God is always with us.
Sometimes children have a hard time with this concept. It can be difficult for them to understand that they can count on God to be with them no matter what.
Some key points to consider when teaching children that they can always rely on God are:
Teach and show them honesty.
Teach them that God commands honesty from us. Showing them this will help them associate God with truth. We can start by being upfront and honest with our children. This of course is not always possible. Sometimes, as parents, there are things we shouldn’t tell our children or that we cannot tell them. Yet, when it comes to how we conduct ourselves in life, we should let our children know that we strive to be honest.
Bible verses to share with your children:
Use F.R.O.G.
Another great way to teach your children about God’s consistency in our lives is to teach them F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God). Teaching them this acronym is a fun way to remind them that in their time of need, they can always rely on the Lord. I also like to tell my children to always take a leap of faith; we call this Leap F.R.O.G.
Always pray.
Remind your children that even when they feel alone, God is with them. Explain that He never will leave them. Teaching your children to pray whenever they are frustrated, angry, and nervous or even when they are happy, is a great way to show them they have a direct line to Jesus and that He is always listening.
Demonstrate.
The final and most important point you must remember when teaching your children to fully rely on God is to do so yourself. This was made apparent to me last week, when I called my mom with a problem. She asked me where my hope comes from, and I of course responded; “God.” She then said, “Hang up the phone and go pray. It’s the most important thing you can do when you have a problem.”
That is when I realized I cannot teach great faith if I do not show great faith in all circumstances. Let your children see you lean on the Lord and they will imitate this behavior.
As your children learn their favorite characters, childhood heroes and fairy tales are make believe, show them they will never be let down by God. Teach them that God is the true hero and He will always be the one to save the day.
How do you show your children that God will always be there for them?
Teaching Children to Rely on God
Over the years, I have noticed that my children lose trust as they grow older. Disappointments, white lies, or even just finding out a fairy tale is not real takes that trust away piece by piece. It is almost impossible for this to not happen. No child is isolated from life’s realities forever and no matter how hard we try we cannot shield them from disenchantment.
I have known this as a mom for some time, but it still hurt the other day when I told my oldest daughter we could go to the park later and she shrugged and replied, “Yeah right.” I asked her why she was acting that way and she pointed out that last time I said we could, we ended up not being able to go. In her mind, the thunderstorm that came and ruined our plans was no reason for me to cancel and not keep my promise to her.
It is sad to me when they lose a piece of their innocence and trust. Last year, my youngest daughter realized her favorite movie character was just that, a character. She gave up on him as quickly as she found out he was make believe. Suddenly, she began to question everything she saw and seemed to be almost angered by the truth.
In today's media, there are more man-created heroes than ever. And of course, these heroes will fail our children at some point. So in a world full of let downs and constant change, how can we teach our children to rely on God, who will never let us down, leave us, or break a promise? My children and I have discussed many times that God is always with us.
Sometimes children have a hard time with this concept. It can be difficult for them to understand that they can count on God to be with them no matter what.
Some key points to consider when teaching children that they can always rely on God are:
Teach and show them honesty.
Teach them that God commands honesty from us. Showing them this will help them associate God with truth. We can start by being upfront and honest with our children. This of course is not always possible. Sometimes, as parents, there are things we shouldn’t tell our children or that we cannot tell them. Yet, when it comes to how we conduct ourselves in life, we should let our children know that we strive to be honest.
Bible verses to share with your children:
He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He. Deuteronomy 32:4
"Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue." Psalms 120:2
"Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue." Psalms 120:2
Use F.R.O.G.
Another great way to teach your children about God’s consistency in our lives is to teach them F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God). Teaching them this acronym is a fun way to remind them that in their time of need, they can always rely on the Lord. I also like to tell my children to always take a leap of faith; we call this Leap F.R.O.G.
Always pray.
Remind your children that even when they feel alone, God is with them. Explain that He never will leave them. Teaching your children to pray whenever they are frustrated, angry, and nervous or even when they are happy, is a great way to show them they have a direct line to Jesus and that He is always listening.
Demonstrate.
The final and most important point you must remember when teaching your children to fully rely on God is to do so yourself. This was made apparent to me last week, when I called my mom with a problem. She asked me where my hope comes from, and I of course responded; “God.” She then said, “Hang up the phone and go pray. It’s the most important thing you can do when you have a problem.”
That is when I realized I cannot teach great faith if I do not show great faith in all circumstances. Let your children see you lean on the Lord and they will imitate this behavior.
As your children learn their favorite characters, childhood heroes and fairy tales are make believe, show them they will never be let down by God. Teach them that God is the true hero and He will always be the one to save the day.
How do you show your children that God will always be there for them?
About This Blogger
Erin James is a freelance writer, mother of three, and author of CBN.com's Mommy blog.