Summer break is a great opportunity for parents to get involved in their children’s lives hands-on. By this, I mean more than just taking your children for a much needed family vacation out-of-town or out-of-country. Sure, kids today get to see the world more; but be careful that they do not just see the beautiful, scenic areas of the world and miss out seeing the real events that shape the world. If that is what happens, then when they step out to the real world after college, we will see our grown-up children leaving the church and eventually leaving their faith due to disillusionment.
Let the “training in reality” begin now, while you can still hold their hands. Here are a few suggestions on what you can do with your kids this summer that will be productive and meaningful:
Assign house responsibilities.
At any age, a child can learn to be independent and take care of his own needs as well as those of others.
- Let him fold his own blanket. It may not be perfect, but he can do it.
- He can help prepare meals – e.g., boil an egg, toast bread, cook rice, etc.
- Do some spring cleaning and involve him in organizing his stuff, what to keep and what to give away.
Watch television together or play video games together.
Coming home after work, do you go to your room to watch your own favorite TV program or to update your Facebook account? You could spend this time finding out what your child watches or what video games he plays and get involved yourself.
- You can build rapport when you do things together.
- Do not comment or criticize, but take time to know why he likes or dislikes something.
- And, ask God for wisdom as to how you can use certain things you do or watch together to instill right and godly values.
Plan and set aside family Bible time.
It is never too early nor too late to lead your children to honor the Word of God.
- The frequency is for you to decide, however your determination and consistency are two keys to make it happen.
- Ten to fifteen minutes will do. You can always stretch or shorten it according to need, but make sure everyone enjoys it.
- Use a Bible appropriate for your child’s age and let him participate in the reading. Together, confess “Jesus is Lord of our home.”
Bring your family to worship God every Sunday.
This is the Lord’s command, “Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)
Most parents dread summer vacation because they must personally care for their children every single day; unlike when they are in school and the house is peaceful and orderly. However, let me challenge you to look at summer vacation as a wonderful opportunity! Parents are the prime agents that mold their children’s character and faith – not the school and not the church. Remember that the Bible teaches us, “Train children to live the right way, and when they are old, they will not stray from it.” (Proverbs 22:6, NCV). Summer is the perfect time to “train up our kids!” Don’t miss this chance!
