The PuritanBoard - View Single Post - Dad-kid interactions - what is the nature of such interactions and time

BJClark · #12 (**permalink**) 06-26-2008, 12:12 AM

Pergamum;

What time do you get up in the mornings? Could you get up a little earlier to have your private time with God and read His word?

When my kids were little I would read to them from the Bible, I had a bunch of other books to read to them, but when I was wanting them to settle down for the night and get ready for bed..that is what I read to them. Now when they wanted to sit in my lap and have me read to them, I would read other books, but even then I'd say "lets read the Bible".

my son is 13, and occasionally still likes for me to read him the bible at night..yes, he can read it himself, but there is just something about that time together that makes it special, making memories, and most nights we take turns; I'll read a few verses and he reads a few, builds his reading skills while also learning God's word.

I've done the same with my daughters, they share a room, so they would curl up next to me on each side and I'd read. I'd even make up little songs to sing to all of them, my 16 year old called me in her room the other night and asked me to sing her a song before she went to sleep..she wanted me to sing one I sang when she was little..I had laugh, because I'd made the song up and couldn't remember the words..but she did..

I used to sing them Jesus Loves Me..and I'd change the words..and instead of using "me" I'd use their name..and they would giggle and laugh. They loved to hear that..

And over the years typically at bed time or about an hour before, they'd go in their room and call me in and want to talk..they'd share their day or something they've been struggling with, or something funny, and then they'd want me to read to them.

I take them with me when I go places, and they love to talk then, they like that one on one time when we can do that. So even as your daughter gets older, take her and talk to her, listen to as she babbles on about whatever is on her mind..and you will find that many times she'll say something which will remind her of something else and the subject will be changed just like that, and then a little bit later, she'll get back to the original topic..when she goes shopping (especially when you don't go) when she gets home ask her to see the new clothes she got..let her model them for you..and tell her how beautiful she looks. Girls need to hear that from their daddy's..

If she eventually has barbie dolls or whatever kind of baby dolls, play with her with them, just like you'd play a game with your son. If she has baby dolls pretend to feed them, little girls get a kick out of those things..and as you watch her play, you will see her emulate things she sees in her world.

My daughters used to get their baby dolls, put them in chairs and play school
and when I'd walk in the room to check on them, they'd be like "shhh, everyone be quite, the Principal is here." they'd look up at me and smile and I'd smile back and say "Just checking on you, go back to playing".

And even now, while she is little let her hear you tell her mom how beautiful you think she is, because as she gets older she'll see her mom in herself.

Talk to your kids about the things you love about their mom, the qualities that make her so special, not just her outward beauty, but her inner beauty.

Oh and as far as TV time, instead of using that time to work out, have your kids curl up in your lap and watch it with them..

Not sure what time your kids go to bed, but you could work out after they go to sleep.