Embracing the Challenge
Embarking on the journey of Christian parenting can sometimes feel like being a novice sailor navigating through uncharted waters. One day you’re basking in the glow of your child’s first genuine ‘thank you,’ and the next, you’re weathering the storm of an epic supermarket tantrum. Integrating the Ten Commandments into the daily lives of our pre-schoolers can seem daunting, but fear not! It’s about laying down the stepping stones, one hilarious hiccup at a time.
Commandment 1: The Ultimate BFF
Imagine explaining to a four-year-old that their best friend is someone they can’t see or touch. Sounds like an episode of ‘My Imaginary Friend’, right? Yet, this is our first challenge. Breaking it down, we emphasize love and unseen support. I told my nephew, ‘God is like your superhero friend who’s always with you, even if you can’t see Him with your goggles on!’ Cue the adorable moment of him wearing swimming goggles to meet God.
Commandment 2: Invisible Friends Are Cool
Remember when your child drew on the walls and claimed, ‘But mommy, my invisible friend did it!’? The second commandment becomes relatable. We explain that just like we don’t make pretend friends more important than our real ones, we don’t place anything above God. Creating a ‘no gods before me’ craft day, involving fun drawing and painting, helps them visualize prioritizing God in a tangible, creative way.
Commandment 3: Words Have Power
Ever heard a toddler attempt to mimic that word you wished they hadn’t heard? The third commandment teaches us that words have power, and they should be used mindfully. A game of ‘sacred words treasure hunt’, where respectful language becomes a quest, turns this lesson into an engaging activity. Parents can hide words around the house, igniting excitement in finding and preserving the value of respectful speech.
Commandment 4: The Great Weekly Adventure
The commandment of keeping the Sabbath holy can transform into ‘The Great Weekly Adventure’. Designate a day for family, fun, and faith. In our household, this meant camping in the living room and discussing stories of bravery and kindness from the Bible, making it a day our preschooler always looked forward to. Establishing these traditions fosters a memorable, joyful connection to faith.
Commandment 5: The Superhero Respect Rule
Teaching respect for parents through the fifth commandment doesn’t have to be a sermon on Mount Sinai. I turned it into the ‘Superhero Respect Rule’. Equating parents and elders with superheroes not only made the idea of respect more alluring but also sparked conversations about empathy, appreciation, and love. Plus, who doesn’t want to be seen as a superhero in their child’s eyes?