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Topic: Developing a Relationship with your Child [Sunday April 5, 2015]

“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” – Luke 18:16

There is this teenager, who for the sake of this devotional, I will call Sharon. Sharon was a pretty, inquisitive and fun girl; making it easy for her to make new friends, wherever she went. However, this fun-loving girl was never allowed to express herself at home. So, in reality, it seemed she lived a double life.

Whenever she asked a question at home, she was never satisfied with the answers. She either got a one line answer or would be immediately scolded to quiet down. Her parents were almost always working, and whenever they were home, they seemed inaccessible. Also, she was the only child of her parents. Gradually, this once lively little girl became dull, withdrawn and depressed. She saw other children her age have good relationships with their family, and so felt her situation was different because her parents probably didn’t love her enough.

Many children today feel this way. They need the “parent- friend” aspect of their parents too. An atmosphere where they can share their thoughts, feeling, fears, dreams and aspirations with their parents is something that they most seek after. Unfortunately for many, this is far from their experience. In the absence of this, they get either withdrawn or mix up with friends, who in most cases are bad influences on them.

Parents, know that your children desire a strong bond with you. They want to be sure you love and care for them, and one way you can assure them of this is by creating a friendly and loving relationship with them.

Help them be open to you, by creating that accessible link between them and you. An atmosphere where they can be free with you, can trust you and where in turn you can trust them. They desire more than just a “parent”, but also a friend. If you notice, a child that is close to a good and responsible adult, is hardly ever found in wrong circumstance. This is because before they take any step, they confide in this adult who can in turn guide them with godly counsel. This is impossible if the adult only condemns, never correcting with love.

Children are products of what go on around them. If they are trained with love and acceptance, it would affect positively who they would become tomorrow. So, build a healthy society by developing a positive relationship with your children.

Remain Blessed!

Pastor Faith Abiola Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

Click HERE to read other Daily Devotional written by Pastor Faith Oyedepo


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