When I taught elementary school, I could not “wing it” when teaching my students. I had to think ahead about the year’s schedule. I had to search for effective teaching materials and look up creative ideas. I spent hours planning each lesson to give my students the building blocks they needed to succeed in the next grade and beyond.
Likewise, God gives parents the job to prepare our children in their spiritual lives. We cannot leave this vital teaching to Sunday school teacher or educators. As parents, we must provide discernment as much as possible.
Why Should Parents Train Their Child Up?
Outside of your home—at school, or with neighborhood children, or with others out in the world—there will be times when your children will be influenced by people who are somewhat beyond your control. Your children will encounter influences that are ungodly. That’s why we must commit and seek to teach them about God’s ways.
Eventually, our children will grow up, and leave home to go to school or start a job. Their leaving our nest is natural and normal. And it means that you’re not always going to be there for your children. They will be in situations that require them to make some life decisions on their own. But before that happens, we parents need to give them wisdom for spiritual discernment. Teach them how to make godly choices on their own. Isn’t that our main goal as a godly parent?
How to Train Your Child Up
As our children grow, we should be training their spiritual sensitivity so they can “distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). If you are in this position, start with what’s going on in your home. Who are your children’s friends at school? Where are they spending their time? What are they reading and viewing?
As you instruct your children in God’s ways, put these practices into place:
- Plan to some extent how you will accomplish this goal
- Schedule a time each day for some kind of formal Bible time
- Encourage your child to have some time alone with God
- Coach them in ways to have daily devotions
- Search for age-appropriate materials and ask other parents for ideas for helping children grow spiritually
- Pray daily about this mission from God, this teacher role He has personally given you
Wherever and whenever you and your child are together is God’s opportunity for you to teach your child about Him. So take advantage and be purposeful with the gift of such times. But, if they are too few and far between, plan, schedule, and determine to make them happen as if it were your most important job on earth—for it is!
RESPOND
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my child and the time that I have with them. Help me make the most of it, teaching them Your Word and Your Ways. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES 
A Mom After God’s Own Heart—Here is fresh help for you—a busy mom!—to make God an everyday part of your child's life.
Through the Bible One Rhyme at a Time—Fun rhymes and colorful pictures combine with Bible truth to help your child’s faith grow.
REFLECT
What discussion or activity will you plan today to guide your child into a better understanding of God?
REMEMBER
“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
