I recently had the privilege of interviewing Haydn Shaw about his new book Generational IQ. Haydn is an expert in what makes generations unique and how they can best relate to each other. This has huge implications for parenting.
In the course of his research he has found that a warm relationship between parents and kids is important to passing on faith to the next generation.
Here are four factors key to building a warm relationship with your kids.
- Connect with your child’s heart.
- During conversations with your kids focus on the emotions behind the conversation. It’s not always “what” they are talking about or asking but “why” they are interested in the topic.
- Be open to talking about doubts.
- Even if you aren’t struggling with doubt in your faith, one in three Christians does struggle with doubt. It is okay to talk with your kids about doubt. Create a safe environment where they can look to you to sort through doubt instead of turning to other places.
- Don’t wait too long.
- Whether it is discussions about doubts and faith or other difficult topics don’t wait too long to bring these issues up with your kids. Figure out age-appropriate ways to engage your kids in conversations on what they are faced with as they go about their day.
- Build in appropriate boundaries and protection for your kids.
- When we have small children and a pool in our yard we build fences and create safe guards to protect our kids. Our current culture is a cesspool of moral compromise and we need to teach our kids how to be safe living next to a cesspool. Teaching them to think about how their faith applies to life is part of that protection.
Listen to the full interview with Haydn Shaw to find out how to talk about doubt with your kids and build that warm relationship that is key to passing on your faith.
P.S. If you are an Awana parent don’t miss the chance to create an AMAZING VACATION for your family. Enter at awana.org/trip!
