What Every Child Needs

It is reported that in the United States of America 1

live birth takes place approximately every 8

seconds (wiki.answer.com) The blessings of

parenthood are reflected in the words of the

Psalmist when he said, “Behold, children are a

heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is

His reward….Happy is the man who has his quiver

full of them” (Ps. 127:3, 5a).

While parenthood is a rewarding experience,

numerous responsibilities come with the territory.

It is a sad fact that many couples are in the baby-

making business, but are totally oblivious when it

comes to being responsible parents. Our society

would be well served to examine what the Bible

has to say about the responsibilities associated

with parenthood. Here are some things children

need in the home:

1. Children need godly parents with the father

assuming the role of the spiritual leader in the

home. We need more men like Joshua who

exclaimed, “But as for me and my house, we will

serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15).

2. Young people must feel loved and wanted on a

daily basis (cf. Tit. 2:4). We are social beings and

children crave our attention and acceptance.

3. Children need to be taught the Bible in the

home. There is no greater influence than the

home. We should open our Bibles regularly and

teach our children about the Lord (cf. Eph. 6:4;

Deut. 6:4-6).

4. Disciplining children is not in vogue today, but

they need it. Young people need parameters or

guidelines in the home. The wise man said,

“Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not

set your heart on his destruction” (Prov. 19:18).

5. We must communicate with our children. An

open line of communication is the best policy. We

must initiate conversation and also develop the

trait of being good listeners (cf. Jas. 1:19).