Parents
Corner
Hi
moms and dads! I just want to thank you for your beautiful kids! We are
so blessed to be able to serve them here at COS! Remember we are always
available to answer questions and take prayer requests. Thanks for
allowing us to partner with you in your efforts to bring your child up
in the Lord!
Children
can be born-again, filled with the Holy Spirit, healed, and blessed in
any way adults can. God is no respecter of persons. During Sunday
worship, we dismiss your child so that we can reach them in a way that
is relevant to them. We use curriculums that are designed for their age
level, that are exciting and fun. The Bible is always our top priority
and is taught by caring, trained volunteers. Please let us know if you
would like more information or if you would like to work with the
children.
Amy Fuller
Book
of the month:
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Recommended
age: 4-6th grades
This is
a powerful and moving story of a young girl during the holocaust. It
addresses the heart and asks the question, would I be as brave as this
young girl and risk my life for another? It is a secular book, as would
be good if read with a parent.
Advice
from James
Dobson
A Parent
asked me what I thought about video games. I’m no expert but I agree
with what James Dobson says to a parent with a similar question:
Q. What
is your opinion of Nintendo and other kinds of video games?
A. You
may have a valid cause for concern. On a segment of our “Family News
in Focus” broadcast, Dr. Vince Hammond, head of the National coalition
on Television Violence, stated that some studies have highlighted the
potentially harmful nature of video games, especially those with violent
themes.
Some observers
have come to the conclusion that these games can become obsessive and
encourage aggressive behavior. There’s even evidence to suggest that
children between the ages of 8 and 10 are 80% more likely to fight with
one another after playing with them.
I want to make
it clear that I’m not necessarily recommending a total ban on all
Nintendo games. I’m simply suggesting that parents be aware of and
seek to deal with two dangerous aspects of these games; the element of
violence that plays such an important part in some of them, and the
addictive qualities that seem to be a distinguishing mark of all.
I’d advise
you to put clear limits on the amount of time your son be allowed to
spend with video games so that he won’t become obsessed with them.
Help him avoid the violent ones altogether. With realistic guidelines, I
think it’s possible to keep this kind of
activity under control rather than letting it control your son and your
family.
Taken
from Focus On The Family magazine, 12/89
MOM’S
of YOUNG Children:
IS QUIET TIME A PROBLEM?
Everybody
knows that we are refreshed in the presence of the Lord and that He
speaks to us through His word, but finding the time between the laundry,
the diapers, the meals… Why not find ways to acknowledge Jesus and
share time with Him every day. Praying while doing your hair or driving
in the car is an idea. While putting on a bandaid or answering a
homework question is a great opportunity to pray with the kids. How
about leaving a small Bible in the car (for those long red lights
or when you are waiting in the Doctor’s office or in the dance school
parking lot) Squeezing in Worship is no harder. How about during
exercise time, in the car with a worship CD or just singing praises to
God while pumping gas, cleaning, or pushing your child on the swing in
the park! The closer you get to Him the more He draws near to you. He is
faithful!
Trust
me, this time in your life goes by so fast, so spend time just thanking
Him for the hectic times and enjoy every moment with Him and with your
little ones!
PARENT
CHALLENGE:
Honesty
and Trust
In
order to protect children, adults often avoid telling the truth, making
comments such as “the shot won’t hurt” or I’ll be right back.”
The old adage “what they don’t know won’t hurt them” is what does
hurt them. Be honest. Tell children the simple truth in terms and
language they can understand. Tell them that you are leaving but you
will be back to pick them up. Pray with them, asking Jesus to calm their
fears. Listen to your children as they tell you about their feelings.
Deal with their reactions and reassure them of your love and support, as
well as God’s love for them. Our role as adults is to assist children
in their life journey and equip them to meet new challenges
successfully. Building a sense of trust in these early years will set
the foundation for trusting in God who cares for all
of our needs-especially our need for a Savior!
