Throughout my educational experience, I have learned the importance of parental involvement in a child’s life. The involvement can take many forms: being a role model, instilling good habits, being consistent in discipline, and building good relationships. This can be done by taking the time to nurture a relationship with grace and love. Equipping children in such ways can help them overcome various life challenges. Since social interactions are vital for children’s development, let’s review how social interactions occur in the family. 

Knowing what is best for your child can be a challenge. Thankfully, God has provided guidance for us, not just for our own relationship with God, but for teaching our children in the ways of the Lord. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:5–7).

As Christian educators, we partner with parents to instill the truths of scripture through an education that begins with knowing our loving God. Enlightium Academy’s philosophy of Christian education rests on four pillars of education: 

1. The first principles of education (i.e., the what and the why).
2. The teacher.
3. The student.
4. The nature of the learner (i.e., the how). 

As we develop a holistic educational experience for students, we seek to offer more than an education in the skills students need to function in society and to make a living — we prepare students for pursuing an abundant life in service to Christ.

Part 2: Helping Your Children Reach Their Full Potential

“So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).

God works in mysterious ways, and everyone’s combined experiences affect them in ways that makes them unique. You are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). This truth is what is most important for us to instill in our children: every person is made in the image of God, the way that they are meant to be, for their own sake, for the sake of those around them, and ultimately, for the glory of God.

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:

As a child, my father always made sure that I was fully aware of how money worked.  I came from a family that did not have a lot of money, so we mostly just purchased the essentials. However, growing up this way was a great opportunity to understand that children of all ages can learn financial practices. Learning how to budget and to think about long-term financial goals are very valuable lessons your children will carry over into adulthood.

There are fewer things that are cuter than barbeque sauce smeared across a toddlers face. However, when your 11-year-old burps the alphabet at the dinner table in front of your new neighbors, it is not so cute.

Good table manners are very important as they ultimately show respect for others. So where should you start in the non-alphabet burping table manners training? The following lists 5 essential table manners that every child should know: