bshaw96 said:
Can someone give me some pointers on how you study the Bible with your children? I am ashamed to admit I am not very consistent with that. My children are 3 and 6. My 6 year old has a children's bible that she likes to read and I bought my 3 year old an "activity bible" type for Christmas. It's got bible stories included in little games you can play. I also have to set time aside for my own bible reading. Is there anyway I can incorporate it into a way that we can all learn at the same time or is it best to do it individually? I enjoy it this way, but sometimes my days get hectic and with work and homework and dinner, I don't seem to have enough time. Or is that just making excuses? How do you moms and dads do it? That is one of my goals for 2005, to be a better example to my children. Thanks for any input!!!!
WOW! Good question! I will come back later with more, but let me say a few things to start. First, while I know we all have concerns about these things, I think we can all to easily feel 'guilty' about it, and I don't think that's really a good thing. Earnestly seek God in prayer asking Him to provide the necessary time, and then just follow what He leads you in.
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Second, if your kids see YOU read daily that is one of the BEST teachers and examples. I don't know how your day goes, if you work out of the home or are at home, but if you can read a few minutes in the morning...say while they are eating breakfast - have YOUR quiet time, in front of them, you don't even have to read out loud, just let them see YOU in the word every day!
You can incorporate some bible reading into 'play' time...I mean, I try to read everyday to my son, why do I not choose the bible more? GRR. I dunno, partly because its not what HE chooses, and partly I don't think of it as fun....(another gRRR!) Or a few verses each night at bed. Get a bible that is suited for that age.
One thing we do is that my son receives his sunday school lesson in a handout each week. I took a binder and I place each weeks lesson in the binder, we began by reinforcing it each week by re-reading it - sadly we have not continued this. Your giving me inspiration to return to it!! You can find stories on the web I am sure on children friendly bible sites and print those and start your own binder! I also include on the front of the binder (it has one of those plastic sleeves) any 'bible' coloring pages he has done.
Its HIS big boy book!
I also have a booklet that I bought a year ago, before my son was ready for it - its like bible stories/activities for preschoolers or something....I'll dig it out tonight.
I also have a daughter who is 16. (my son is 3) And I can tell you from seeing her as a teenager some of my mistakes - but we'll just start with this one -- I didn't do enough of including scripture and biblical principles and stories into everyday life. HUGE mistake. Just in our daily activities I think looking back I needed to be able to say, ya know, this reminds me of....or its sorta like......and give a biblical example. I am trying to do this more with my son.
Anyway, I am in a rush (you couldn't hardly tell could you....blah blah blah, I can ramble!!) but I'll come back tonight with the name of that book and some websites and various things that might help!
Go easy on yourself though - life IS hectic. Little steps, don't kill yourself or you won't stick with it - and little snippets for them, they don't need a whole chapter or whatever at a time...ya know? I'll be praying for you - and for me and my son and our schedule, etc.
Oh, by the way -- I think its great to do this with your kids, but don't think that you can study the way you probably need to if your only study time is with your kids. I really think you need to have your own time too.
Can you share what your days are like? I'm new here so don't really know everyones situations.
