Talk to Your Children
Telling you to talk to your children seems so obvious, however, many times, as we are so busy checking off things on our to do lists, it can be a thing that gets neglected.
Don’t rush around so much that you neglect the most important things to do.
In Luke Chapter 10, when reading about Martha and Mary, we have an example of being too concerned with serving and neglecting time spent one on one, in this case with Jesus. We can also neglect our time with the Lord, or our time with family, when we are too concerned with other work we have to do.
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke Chapter 10: 38-42 ESV
Bond with them
One on one time together and talks give you a special opportunity to bond with your children. Truly listen to what they are saying. You may be surprised to find out things they are interested in, are excited about, or what concerns them. Listening to them and caring about what they speak about to you about is a way to show them love.
Share with them
When you are really excited about something, who do you run to with the news? Let your kids be part of exciting moments in your life. Let them share moments with you! Moments of joy, excitement, faith, and interests.
Even share emotional moments and memories. Through this sharing, you are growing closer to them and teaching them how to handle these different parts of life as you model processing these moments when you share your thoughts and ideas about events in life, always giving God the glory.
Talk to your children a lot about whatever is going on
As you share things in detail throughout the day, you are building vocabulary for your young children. You can treat every day moments as teaching and learning opportunities.
If there is something going on that you do not understand well enough to discuss it in detail, like for example if you’re planting a seed and as you start to explain it, you have a question. You can look it up on the spot and learn alongside your children and explain it to them. This makes learning relevant as you connect it to your real life experiences.
Don’t dumb things down
You do want to make sure you share what is appropriate for their ages, but don’t oversimplify the vocabulary. It is actually a good thing to use extensive vocabulary with your children. If you find yourself using a word that they have never heard before, go ahead and use it, and just define it as you go.
You’ll be amazed how well your children will just soak up these words like little sponges. Before you know it, they will be using them in conversation with you! Children rise to high expectations and they’re held back when you decide for them what the most they can handle is. Be careful not to underestimate your children. Set expectations high and watch them rise!
Read to them from the Bible
Let these readings guide conversations. The Bible is the inerrant word of God.
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3: 16-17 ESV
As you read the Word, not only will you be training them in righteousness and the way that they should go, but you will also be building their literacy and increasing their vocabularies. As you read, look up unknown words, and discuss the meanings with your children. Talking to your children about what the passages in the Bible mean, and how to apply them to your lives is so important.
Answer questions
Kids have lots of questions! Sometimes, it can be exhausting trying to answer them all. It’s tempting to just want to let it go and not give them answers. Do your best to actually answer their questions. If you don’t know, take the time to look it up.
In today’s world, information is at our fingertips. Kids learn best when they’re actually interested in learning about something. If they are asking a question, that means they are ready to learn about this topic. Follow that lead. Accept the invitation to teach them. These moments add up, and you’ll be having another great conversation with them as well as building their knowledge, what a blessing!
Talk to them about difficult topics
There are some topics we’d rather just avoid. Some topics do need to be delayed until kids reach a certain age or maturity level. But when a topic is age appropriate, talk to your kids about it. Get out the Bible when there are difficult topics, questions, or challenges in life.
Take these moments to God in prayer and ask for His guidance through the Holy Spirit in speaking about topics that you find hard to talk to your children about. It is important that you help your children navigate difficult topics alongside the Word of God and teach them that He is where you turn when life gets tough or questions get challenging. Help them know that ultimately we should Trust God above all and not lean on our own understanding.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV
Just talk to your children
Talk about fun things, talk about silly things, talk about serious things, talk about math, talk about everything! Talk to your children. Bond with them. Listen to them. Love them! Enjoy your time with your sweet babies!
