Christian Kids in a Public School
How Parents Can Help Their Children Adjust
It can be daunting for Christian children attending public schools. Here are some tips for parents to help their children communicate with their non-Christian friends.
Your child has made the most important decision in their life. They decided to accept Jesus Christ and become a Christian. You thought that was biggest obstacle you would have to face as a parent, but actually that was not an obstacle at all. After all, you took them to church every Sunday, read family devotions with them, corrected their behavior when they were not being Christ-like, and the reward was that they wanted to become a Christian and it was their very own decision. And, they likely did this because you, as the parent, were their greatest example of what a Christian looks and acts like. One of the biggest obstacles that remains is helping them on their journey to walk the Christian walk...and talk the Christian talk.
Now your child will be attending public school and walking in Jesus' footsteps. Your "evangelist" will now be able to tell others the Good News and bring others to Jesus. You bubble with pride as they go about to complete their task. Your "evangelist" is more than likely shaking at the knees when he or she realizes that they have no idea what to say or do with their friends who are not Christians. Realistically, you cannot expect a child, especially in grades K - 5, to assert their new decision until they are really equipped and comfortable with interacting with peers about their new found faith. This is a process that takes time and a level of comfort before you can expect this to happen. Why, it is like throwing a sheep to the lions! Public schools, even in elementary years, are harsh and cruel. Kids that are not being raised with Christian values can be daunting and unnerving to other kids, whether Christian or not. So what do I do? How do I help my child in this process and help him or her become bold...the lion, not the sheep?
There are some practical things that you can do to build your child's courage, so they can become the influence and not be influenced by other kids. For instance:
- You are the example. As mentioned above, you are your child's greatest example of what a Christian is. They look to you (whether silently or openly) to discover how they should react around other people. Make sure you are doing your part!
- Talk with your child's Bible/Sunday School teacher or minister and let them know that now that your child has accepted Christ, do they have any pointers for your child when dealing with kids at their school. They will welcome the opportunity to help you. They want to be a part of your child's new life. They are there for you and it is simply what they do, help others.
- Let things happen naturally. You should never force your child to tell "Johnny" about Jesus. You cannot push them into talking about their faith before they are ready. It really will turn into quite a mess and your child may end up resenting you for this. Instead, continue with family devotions, buy or rent materials that will help you and your child in this area (there are many great resources on-line), and help your child find friends in other Christian children that attend the same school. There is power in numbers.
The decision to follow Jesus is a remarkable thing! Give your child room for growth and time to be equipped with knowledge to tell others the Good News. There is no timetable for this to happen, so be patient and pray. And, make sure your child knows Ephesians 6:10-18. Do you?
