“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future” This popular saying has never been truer. With the ability to communicate with their friends virtually 24/7 it is more important than ever to make sure our children choose good friends that will encourage them in their walks with God. As homeschoolers, we have a little more control over the influences in our children’s lives than public scholars do.
Communicate
Like most other things, communicating with your child about his or her friends are absolutely necessary. It isn’t enough to assume that because a child comes from a Christian home that they will be a good influence on your child. Some of the most negative influences on my children have been the kids they attended church with. Convictions and standards vary from home to home and no one truly knows what goes on behind closed doors. So many children fall victim to child predators while visiting other people's homes or while out and about.
Talk to your child about character qualities that make a good friend and be honest about the dangers that can occur while at someone else’s home.
If your child begins a friendship with another child, it is a good idea to have the child over to your home before you let your child spend time with their new friends at their homes. Get to know your children’s friends parents. Get a feel for their values and morals and let them know your expectations as well.
Talk to your child about character qualities that make a good friend and be honest about the dangers that can occur while at someone else’s home.
If your child begins a friendship with another child, it is a good idea to have the child over to your home before you let your child spend time with their new friends at their homes. Get to know your children’s friends parents. Get a feel for their values and morals and let them know your expectations as well.
Make Your House a Safe, Friendly Place
The best way to get to know your children’s friends is to make your home a safe, friendly place to hang out. This will give you a feel for the types of kids your children are friends with, and will also help you to address any issues that may come up.
The best way to get to know your children’s friends is to make your home a safe, friendly place to hang out. This will give you a feel for the types of kids your children are friends with, and will also help you to address any issues that may come up.
Kids need a safe place to hang out, with adult supervision. Even the best kids can fall into temptation in the wrong circumstances. There’s nothing wrong with a little accountability.
Talk to your children about the rules of your home, and what they are expected to do if someone breaks them. Let your children know that you are approachable.
Set Guidelines
Make sure you set guidelines for friendships in advance. Sit down with your child and set up guidelines together. By involving your child in the process, it helps to head off conflict later.
Don’t just lay down a list of rules, explain why you are doing it and allow your child to add input. Keeping the lines of communication open now lays the groundwork for later years. Talk to your children about the rules of your home, and what they are expected to do if someone breaks them. Let your children know that you are approachable.
Set Guidelines
Make sure you set guidelines for friendships in advance. Sit down with your child and set up guidelines together. By involving your child in the process, it helps to head off conflict later.
Communicating with your child about what makes a good friend and the guidelines you have set as a family for friendships and activities is important in helping your child choose good friendships. Above all else, pray for good friendships for your children and for protection from bad influences. Pray for wisdom in dealing with issues you may have with your children’s friendships. With good communication and God’s help, you can help your child choose good friendships.
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