Role Models for Christian Young People

Role Models for Christian Young People - Parenting Like HannahRole models are problematic. Ask Disney. I would imagine they spend a lot of time, money and effort identifying talented young people who also fit the Disney clean-cut image. Fast forward a few years after discovery and many of these same young people are behaving in ways that have parents screaming at Disney for exposing young children to such terrible role models.

Generally, Christian parents point their kids to Christ as the ultimate role model. Many will point out Christians here and there who have a specific godly characteristic or quality in order to show their kids what those look like in our world. I would imagine though most young people still have one or more “famous” people they admire for a variety of reasons. Many parents may be looking for ways to steer their kids towards admiring people who put God first in their lives.

I was interested to learn of a new book offering stories of younger Christians who were “real stories of a courageous new generation standing for truth”. No Fear: Real Stories of a Courageous New Generation Standing for Truth by Tony Perkins tells the stories of eleven young people who in the author’s view made a strong stand for God.

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Christian Family Dinner Challenge: Making It Work

Christian Family Dinner Challenge: Making It Work - Parenting Like Hannah

 

A recent trip to visit our daughter convinced me the European habit of eating extremely long (to us) family dinners, has a lot of value for Christian families. Yet, I am realistic enough to know our lives aren’t really set up to do that every evening. So I am challenging your family to commit to trying it once a month (if you really want a serious challenge – try it once a week!).

You may agree with my thoughts in the last post and want to give it a try. You may even have a lot of questions. What if your family never sits down to a meal together? What if your kids have never sat at a dinner table for more than five minutes without a device? What if you don’t have anything to talk about? It may sound impossible, but these tips can help you successfully meet my Christian Family Dinner Challenge.

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Christian Family Dinner Challenge

Christian Family Dinner Challenge - Parenting Like HannahWe recently visited our daughter who is studying abroad in Germany. At dinner time, we noticed something interesting. As we entered a restaurant that was nearly empty and asked for a table, we were politely told there were no tables as they were all reserved. Our daughter would promise them we would eat quickly, and a table would magically become open. As we looked at the reservation times that had denied us a table, they were often several hours in the future.

We learned dinner time is special family time in many areas of Europe. People will linger over a meal for hours, talking and laughing. Even small children seemed to be engaged and I think we saw only one antsy child in the almost three weeks we were in the various countries. We realized how quickly Americans tend to eat, when even with the long lags in restaurant service and having a relaxed meal we were finished in an hour or so.

Now I don’t know enough European families to know how much these long meals really make a meaningful difference, but I do know they can help your family. Now stay with me. I know most of you are probably laughing hysterically at the idea of a family dinner at all – much less a long one. Believe me, I get it. My husband’s work hours and our then young daughter’s need for an early dinner time often meant complete family meals were missed. I do want to challenge you though to try having a European dinner once a month this year (for those who like a serious challenge – make it once a week.)

Here’s why I think the challenge is worth the time and effort it may take you to have a long family meal regularly:

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Must Read Book for Christian Teens (and Adults)

Must Read for Christian Teens (and Adults) - Parenting Like HannahIf you talk to the average teen involved in school and church, you will usually hear about their interest and even passion for issues of social justice. Now back in your day, you may have been interested in some of the same problems of the world. You may even now volunteer in an attempt to make a positive difference. You in fact may actually be more passionate and knowledgable about some of the social justice issues than even the most passionate teen.

There is a generational difference though.  Where previous generations addressed social issues within their churches and outside of them, Christian young people today expect churches to take the lead in all of these issues. If they feel their church is not only not leading in these areas, but also in their minds barely addressing them, they will often leave. Unfortunately, because many have little in the way of a strong biblical foundation, leaving often means rejecting not just their congregation, but the church as a whole and even their belief and faith in God.

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Nip It In The Bud Christian Parenting

Nip It In The Bud Christian Parenting - Parenting Like HannahIt happens to me every single year. We have a large yard with lots of flower borders and pine islands. Every summer I promise myself that the next spring I will get out before the weeds and do all of the things you are supposed to do so you aren’t weeding all summer long. Inevitably life gets in the way and I don’t get out there until the weeds have made their appearance everywhere. I know if I could ever nip the weed situation in the bud, my summers would involve a lot less yard work. For some reason though, I never nip it in the bud and find myself doing a lot of extra and potentially unnecessary work.

Christian Parenting is the same way. It starts much younger than people think. You can begin training a child to have appropriate behavior when most kids are about one year old (when your child can respond to a simple command – this age will vary from child to child). It amazes me how quickly toddlers will begin testing your limits. Their hearts are just beginning to develop and aren’t necessarily rebellious, but those temptations and negative behaviors are already there.

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