Published 5/24/19
101 Ways to Strengthen the Parent‐Child Connection
Devotions, Tips, and Activities
By Michael and Tiffany Ross
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Isaiah 41:13
Family Quest
We have built a lot of safety nets into our society. Describe a simple but serious situation to your child and ask whom he would call. For example, if there is an emergency, your child would call 911. If he has a bad dream at night, he would call for Mom or Dad. At the end of your list, ask one final question: When do you call for God?
Talk It Out
· How do you call God for help?
· Does He always answer us the way we want Him to?
· Read Proverbs 15:29. Can we trust that God hears our prayers? (Why or why not?) How many times can we ask Him for help?
Parent-Child Connection
When your child takes a tumble or is picked on by other kids, you instinctively come to the rescue: “It hurts right now, but I’ll fix you up with a bandage and a kiss. You’ll be as good as new!” Similarly, when we as God’s children take a spiritual tumble, He is right there to pick us up and soothe our wounds. God does this because He is our Father and our Helper, and He knows exactly what we need. . .and the precise moment that we need it. Take the opportunity to drive home these truths. Model for your kids the habit of “praying first and seeking God’s help when life is hard.” Teach them that Jesus cares about every detail of our lives. He suffers what we suffer and feels what we feel. He came to be our friend. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”
(John 14:27).
Talk to God
As you pray, encourage your child to (1) thank Jesus for hearing his prayers and (2) ask the Lord to show your family how to pray during times of need.
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