Families
Week 97
The importance of children to the family
The complete family unit is found only among human beings. Very few animals have strong parent/child or male/female relationships, but none have the complete family unit for life that man has. Some animals have strong social relationships, mostly based on instincts and hierarchy.
Genesis 1:28 says, “And God blessed them; and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth…” The family unit with father, mother, and children was instituted by God. Since this thought is under severe attack in our society, we felt we must address the truth of families with the youngest among us. This will instill the simple truth into them so that as they grow, they can remain firm in this truth.
Note to the serving ones: While we faithfully present God’s view of a family, we recognize that some of our children’s families may not relate to what is being presented in these topics due to different types of situations. (For example, there may be children whose parents have passed away, children whose parents are not involved in the family/church life, children who are adopted, children who were raised by step-parents/grandparents, etc.) The serving ones need to be careful/sensitive in how they address these matters so that the children don’t come away from the story feeling bad because they may not have a mom and a dad to do the things that we are presenting. We don’t want them to feel like their families aren’t “real” families, but rather, we want to give them an appreciation for the complete family unit from God’s view. In your time with the children, please be sensitive to their personal circumstances. Be careful that no child feels that his or her family is wrong or worse than the others.
Point to emphasize
All that we are and do is important in a family.
Sample content and conversation with children
- [Show picture #1 or a photo of a father and mother without their children.] What does this picture show us? [Let them respond.] Yes, there is a mother and a father. But what is missing from this family? [Let the children respond.] Right, that picture did not show their children. [Show picture #2 or of a photo of the same couple with their children.] Dads and moms are needed in the family BUT every family needs children. Today we are showing how important children are in a family.
- [Show video #1.] What are they doing? [Let them respond.] Wow, they are having a good time together. Are they doing something special like visiting the zoo or playing a game? [Children say, “NO, they are happy just being at the table together.”] Now, let’s look at adults around a table. [Show picture #3 or a picture of friendly adults eating together.] Do they look glad to be eating together? [Let them respond.] Yes, they are happy enough to eat together BUT do you expect them to start laughing and giggling like those in the other video? [Let them respond.] This shows us that children bring joy. Children are a source of fun and laughter to their families. And having children in the house brings in a lot of warmth and love.
- [Show picture #4 or of a family singing or reading together.] What is this family doing? [Let them respond.] Are they reading or singing at a library? [Let them respond.] No! They are sitting on their couch reading a book together. [Show picture #5 or of people in formal positions at the library reading.] Does this look more comfortable than the family reading at home? [Let them respond.] No, the first family is loving, warm, and comfortable together in their home. These children are important to their family, and you are important in your family.
- We are all important to our families. Without you, they would be missing a part. [Show pictures #6-7 or of children helping clean-up and doing things as a family.] What are they doing? [Let them respond.] What things do your family do together? [Let them respond.] God is really good! That is why He put us in a family. He knew that families needed children. Let’s all say together, “Thank You, God, for my family!” And “I am an important part of my family.”
Suggested songs
It’s “Yes”, “Thank You”, “Please”, and “May I”
God is so good (new stanzas below)
God is so good,
God is so good
God is so good,
He’s so good to me.
God gave to me,
My family.
God gave to me,
The best family.
I love them so,
I love them so,
My family
Is the best for me.
Video
#1: Happy family around their dining table
(https://www.youtube.com/embed/0spUrJb6eYA?rel=0)
Pictures
#1: A father and mother without their children
#2: A father and mother with their children
#3: Friendly adults eating together
#4: A family reading together
#5: A family reading at the library
#6 Children helping clean-up (1)
#7: Children helping clean-up (2)
