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Training Children by Instruction
Proverbs 1:1-19
Perhaps the most difficult area for parents to assume their responsibility in raising their children is the area of instruction. Feelings of inadequacy, misunderstanding of parental teaching responsibility, over-dependency on educational institutions, and improper values may all undermine a parent’s sense of responsibility for the life education of their children. Many parents feel that living and exemplary life coupled with sending their children to the right schools will ensure a good upbringing for their children. However, though these are very important, nothing can replace in a child’s life the value of the personal instruction of their parents.
What does is mean to instruct our children?
· A dictionary definition of the word “instruct” is “to teach, train or educate; to give directions, or to inform”. The word teach means. “to show or to help learn how to do something, to cause to know or understand.”
· The words used in Scripture for teaching or instruction mean “to cause to understand; to admonish; to chasten; to reprove, to warn; to restrain; to point out; to enlighten; to cause to ascertain by seeing; to educate; to disciple; and to indoctrinate.”
· As parents we are to give our children a basic life education to prepare them for the responsibilities of adult life. We are to impart to them what we have personally learned in life as well as oversee their educational experiences.
What does the bible say about parental instruction?
Deuteronomy 4:1-40
Parental instruction is the key to the success of the next generation. Parents are to teach their children and grandchildren.
Deuteronomy 6:7
Parents are to be diligent in teaching their children the commandments of God.
Deuteronomy 11:18-21
Parents are to be continually teaching their children the Word of God.
Proverbs 1:8
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.”
Proverbs 4:1
“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father.”
Proverbs 13:1
“A wise son heareth his father’s instruction.”
Proverbs 15:5
“A fool despiseth his father’s instruction.”
Proverbs 19:27
“Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.”
Proverbs 23:22
“Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.”
1 Corinthians 4:14-21
Paul’s role as a spiritual father included instruction.
Ephesians 6:4
Fathers are to raise their children in the nurture (education) and admonition (warning) of the Lord.
In what are parents to instruct their children?
In the realm of knowledge
Parents are responsible to pass on to their children facts and information in all the basic areas of life. This should include areas such as natural life, spiritual life, people, nature, communication, finances, and social customs.
In the realm of understanding
Parents are responsible to impart insight into life, to their children. This would include explaining the reasons why things happen and how things work.
In the realm of wisdom
Parents are responsible to develop in their children the ability to make right decisions. This includes developing skill in various areas of life as well as learning how to use knowledge rightly.
How can parents instruct their children?
By developing a meaningful devotional time
Different ways of bible reading, Bible memorization, sharing, singing, discussion, and prayer can be used to teach children eternal truth.
By learning from the lives of others
Storytelling, dramatization, books, and even homemade tapes can be effective says of gleaning wisdom from the experiences of others.
By turning the circumstances of life into learning experiences
Perplexing situations, failures, successes, joy, and sorrows are all golden opportunities to impart wisdom and understanding. This is true for situations being faced by the children, the parents or both.
By using questions
The many questions that children ask are openings for learning. These should be handled sincerely so as to create a greater openness. Parents can also ask questions to create curiosity.
By sharing your learning experiences
The lessons learned by you and your family should become like family treasures handed down from generation to generation.
By involving them in things you do
Whether it is work, hobbies, household, chores, or recreation, your children will enjoy doing it with you and will be open to learning through it.
By working on projects together
Study projects, experiments, making or putting things together, or even including educational experiences on vacations are ways of gaining knowledge together.
By creating a home atmosphere conducive to learning
Music, games, reading material, pictures, plaques, videos, and radio can all be used to produce an environment to stimulate learning.
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