How to help my son

[KatieKatt]

My youngest is in preschool and my eldest is in grade school. He's been coming home lately quoting things I have never heard of. They seem innocent enough but how can I reinforce our Christian faith when he is surrounded by non Christians most of the day? Can anyone recommend any good, age appropriate Christian media I can have him watch or read? I'm trying to get him in to the Chronicles of Narnia (LOVED those books growing up) but he doesn't seem interested.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

My youngest is in preschool and my eldest is in grade school. He's been coming home lately quoting things I have never heard of. They seem innocent enough but how can I reinforce our Christian faith when he is surrounded by non Christians most of the day? Can anyone recommend any good, age appropriate Christian media I can have him watch or read? I'm trying to get him in to the Chronicles of Narnia (LOVED those books growing up) but he doesn't seem interested.

No chronicles of Narnia please wrong idea. They convey Christian ideas through allegory, using symbolic storytelling rather than direct biblical teaching. While many themes align with Christian beliefs, some aspects might be confusing for children depending on their understanding and spiritual foundation. Aslan, the great lion, represents Jesus, and his sacrifice in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe mirrors Christ’s atonement, with his resurrection symbolizing victory over death. The battle between Aslan and the White Witch illustrates the struggle between good and evil, while the characters’ journey reflects faith, obedience, and redemption. Edmund’s betrayal and later forgiveness parallel the grace given to sinners, and The Last Battle presents a vision similar to the new heaven and earth described in Revelation.

Despite these meaningful connections, there are elements that could raise concerns. The presence of mythical creatures, including fauns, centaurs, and talking animals, might be questionable for those who avoid fantasy with non-biblical origins. Magic is a central part of the story, with Aslan representing good and the White Witch representing evil, but this might lead to misunderstandings about how Scripture condemns sorcery. The allegorical nature of the story could also cause confusion, as some children might mistake the fictional elements for biblical reality or develop an inaccurate view of Jesus by equating him too literally with Aslan. if you go to a bible store, they have plenty of cartoon books with biblical themes and also movies made for children, I would start there.

Peace.

 

[chevyontheriver]

My youngest is in preschool and my eldest is in grade school. He's been coming home lately quoting things I have never heard of. They seem innocent enough but how can I reinforce our Christian faith when he is surrounded by non Christians most of the day? Can anyone recommend any good, age appropriate Christian media I can have him watch or read? I'm trying to get him in to the Chronicles of Narnia (LOVED those books growing up) but he doesn't seem interested.

Consider changing schools. This may sound like overkill but I do think it is actually vital in many parts of the country. Find one of those Catholic or Lutheran or other Christian schools that are intentionally Christian. Such schools are out there. They will cost some money. They may be what saves your children. If such schools are not available, consider home schooling. That can be done these days in cooperation with other home school families so you don't need to be expert in everything.

Tolkien and Lewis are appropriate for children. Good for children. But by themselves, without a positive culture and a positive school and parents with the support of their church and community, it just won't be enough.

 

[PloverWing]

I also found it pretty scary when I realized my children were hearing many messages from people at school, church (!), friends, etc., and these were environments I didn't control and couldn't filter. I now appreciate that this is part of kids moving into the wider world, but it was still a shock after being so careful with their environment at home during their toddler/preschool years.

One option is to ask your kids about what they're reading and watching, and then read or watch some of the same things too and have conversations. I'm thinking of genuine conversations; not "Here's what's wrong with your favorite book", but more open, "Who's your favorite character in the book?", "<place> seems like a fun place to visit, what do you think?", etc. In that way, you get to step into their world a bit. I got to have some good conversations like this with my kids through the years, and discovered some good books and TV shows along the way that I wouldn't have found otherwise.

 

[PloverWing]

Here's a follow-up thought: Are your kids still young enough that they like to be read to at bedtime? If so, you might be able to read to them books that they might not pick up and read on their own. You've already mentioned the Narnia Chronicles; those were formative for my Christian life, much as they were for yours. Madeleine L'Engle has some books for young readers. I read The Hobbit to my older daughter when she was in first grade. Lois Lowry has written some thought-provoking books; I found Messenger to be a compelling image of redemption, though I don't know if that's what Lowry intended. If your kids are interested in having family-cuddle-and-read time, you could read one of these to them.

I have different book suggestions for when your kids are 15 or 20. I've read some good fiction books on religious themes, but they're for older audiences.

 

[timf]

Deu 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Deu 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
Deu 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Godly Christian parents are the best chance your children have. Satan has constructed the world to seduce children in particular using indulgences that feel good like TV and games.

If you are unable to homeschool, you might consider using every opportunity you have to teach your children to discern the evil in the world. This will require you to get more adept at being able to identify and articulate why things are bad. Here is a free pdf booklet from christianpioneer.com that describes some of what is wrong in the world that might be useful, they have other resources as well.

https://christianpioneer.com/ebooks/etwrong%2015.pdf

 

[Gnarwhal]

My youngest is in preschool and my eldest is in grade school. He's been coming home lately quoting things I have never heard of. They seem innocent enough but how can I reinforce our Christian faith when he is surrounded by non Christians most of the day? Can anyone recommend any good, age appropriate Christian media I can have him watch or read? I'm trying to get him in to the Chronicles of Narnia (LOVED those books growing up) but he doesn't seem interested.

Narnia's great but depending on what grade your oldest is, it might be a little advanced for them. I think maybe 5th grade would be the youngest I'd introduce them to that literature.