Prov. 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Eph. 6:4 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
When my wife and I were starting a family, I always dreamed that I would be that wise and cool dad that had all the right answers at my finger tips. So as a father of two children, I always thought that there will come a time or a moment when something happens, that involves my children, that causes them to pause and think. And in so many words “a teachable moment” will occur. An unplanned opportunity arises so that the wise parent seizes that moment to instruct and impart wise counsel to my children. When that moment comes, I will say something amazing, so amazing that my children will never forget and will impact them for the rest of their lives. 20 years later, my children will look back and say “Dad, those words changed my life!”
Well, I got some bad news, that doesn’t happen too often! What the above Bible verses tells us is correct way for making an impact on their children; parents should be “teaching” their kids everyday, as opposed to looking for that one special moment. How the parents uses their words, conduct, attitude, and faith (or lack there of), that will make the impact on our children. I believe that as a parent, when I show consistency in my actions and words, I am reinforcing what is Biblical.
When a parents see a “Teachable moment”, it may not be a teaching moment for your kids, they may ignore what you think were profound words, but for some reason, your kids remember what you said to the neighbor after your neighbor damaged your fence! Your kids will hear, see, and remember what they want, not when you, the parent decide they should remember
So the best way to “train” or instruct your children, is to be the best Christian you could be everyday; because you do not know what will impact your child, what he or she may remember! But they do remember consistence. So I hope you will be a consistent “good example” to your children!
Rev. Steve Lee