Train Up a Child

"But it's not fair!"
Sometimes life is not fair. Kids need to learn that early and at home. So this week discuss with your kids about justice. Man's justice is imperfect,but God's justice is perfect.

Play a game of "Hide and Seek" (or any game your family likes) with a twist--keep changing the rules. ("No, you only have to count to 4; No, you don't have to hide your eyes; who said you couldn't push people down instead of tagging them?")

After it's over (and you hear lots of "But, that's not fair!"), ask:
Why didn't you like me changing the rules?

Why are rules good? (They help us know what to do, they make it better for everyone, it's more fun, etc.)

God (who created the universe and is in charge of it) made some rules. They're called the Ten Commandments. They help us know what to do and tell us how to live and love God and others. These rules are just and fair and good.

What Should They Do?

Act out the following situations with your young children:

Jamie is at playgroup and Amy wants to play with one of Jamie's toys--what can she do?

Mom has to feed the baby--what can Emma do?

Sammy is tired of waiting in line at kindergarten and wants to be first to get his snack. What should he do?

Teach your young ones that sharing a toy, taking turns, and waiting in line (instead of always wanting to be first) reflects justice--fairness for all. We treat others with respect because God is just and fair (Deuteronomy 32:4).