A Christian Parent's Guide To Setting a Good Example For Your Child

Most parents will experience a distinct moment when they ask the question, “When, where, and how should I start setting a good example for my child?” As Christian parents we know that God has given us children to teach and direct in the way of Him. It is a great responsibility! How do we know where to start?

Here a short guide to when, where and how to set a good example for your child:

When
In Deuteronomy 6:7 it is written, “…talk to them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” So, when is the best time to start nurturing a relationship? - When you SIT, WALK, LIE DOWN, and GET UP! In other words, be a good example to your child 24/7. 

Christ calls us to always be His example. It is a tall order, however He says in the Bible that He will equip us with what we need when we need it (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Where

In my experience, children are like sponges. They continuously absorb their environmental surroundings as they’re living in the day-to-day moments, watching new episodes unfold, and observing routine patterns. Even when you think they are not paying attention, they might be. 

A Christian parent can take advantage of every moment, no matter where they are (driving in the car, at the grocery store, at home making dinner, etc.), to set a good example for their child.

How
Since children are paying attention to their parents in their day-to-day lives, setting a good example begins in an everyday environment with common situations. For example, notice your actions when a driver cuts you off from the merging lane. Your child is watching your reaction and will remember it in their driving years. You can take this opportunity to give them a driving safety lesson and verbally tell them how to properly merge in traffic. Another option would be for you to verbally express, 'Maybe that driver was having a bad day. You never know what battles other people are fighting.' Either way you are taking the opportunity to set a good example for your child by going above the struggle of the moment.