Monthly Newsletter

Hello friends,

Sorry, I could not write to you in March to tell you about the monthly family forum.  The meeting was held March, 11 and was attended by many guests who enjoyed a lively discussion about “Transforming our kids into spiritual champions”.  The statistics about children in this country are scary. For example, 1 in 10 kids had sex before age 13, 1 in 5 used drugs and 1 in 3 got drunk at least once before age 12.

In other statistics, the child age 2-7 spend at least 25 hours a week in front of TV, while from age 8-13 this number doubles to 48 hours per week and include TV, DVD, and Internet. This calculates to about 7 hours a day. Do we mach that as parents? I do not think we even come close. How then can we influence our children positively in such a destructive environment?

According to the author of the book with the same title, the key is to start early, since by age 13, the spiritual frame work of the child is already established.

1.)  What do kids need?

• First, to establish the spiritual standards needed for their moral and emotional growth, which will help them make the right choices. Such as when choosing their friends or watching a certain movies or going to unsuitable places.
• Second, to provide spiritual influences in contrast the worldly views on different matters such as personal character.

2.)  Forces shaping our children’s character;

• The media in all its forms, TV, music, Hollywood, and the internet.
• Public education such as gay agenda, evolution, and peer pressure.
• Parents’ influence which is most effective at young age and almost nil after age 16.

3.)  How can we do it?

• Present a role model to our kids. If we do not do as we say, we will loose their trust and they will never believe anything we say in the future.
• Consistent teaching of our beliefs and morals. Presenting the biblical worldview as our guide in the way we live and function in the society even if it is not matching what they hear anywhere else.
• Discipline when needed, in love and not in anger or revenge.

These were some of the ideas and thoughts presented during the meeting; I hope they could be of benefit to you as you raise your kids.

That brings us to the April meeting of the Family Forum, which will be held on April, 8 at 7:30 PM. The meeting will be dealing with another important parenting issue which is “When to say No” or in other way developing boundaries in dealing with our children. I encourage you all to attend and be part of the discussion.

If you have any questions, please direct them to familycorner@secureit.org.

May God bless you all.