Holiday Advise from a Young Mum.

This is from a friend of mine who stays in Ibadan, southwest, Nigeria. We both attended the University of Lagos sometime ago and its amazing how our perspectives have changed between those days as beautiful young ladies aspiring for greatness and now that we are 'beautiful mummys' married to the men of our dreams.

These are her thoughts on how we parents should keep an eye on our children during the holidays:

The holidays are here for school children. A word of advice parents- do not just cart off your children somewhere for the holidays. Spiritual discernment is key! Even if no one is molesting your children, bad habits and more can be picked up from cousins, relatives, friends etc. Here's a thought- you know your children, you know what you allow them to do and not do. Can you vouch for other people and their child/children? In my opinion, and I think every godly parent should adopt this- if you have any doubts about a person's Christianity, their godliness and character, their principles and parenting styles you have absolutely no business exposing your child/children to them. 

So what do parents do now? I cannot give you a 'one answer fits all'. Be as creative as you can. The holidays can be a very good opportunity to train your child more in godliness, in being responsible. Now is the time to start teaching your child to make his/her bed in the mornings, to wash his/her plate after eating to do household chores proportional to his age. Now is the time to introduce bible reading if you have not done so already. If your child can read, (s)he would greatly benefit from bible reading. Even if your child cannot read, you can read to him/her.

Finally, censor the television. This is not the time for your child to stay glued to the TV from morning till night! And if you are prone to letting your child watch TV just remember that there are a myriad of programs and stations your child should not even see!

The holidays are a great time for you to bond with your child/children. I understand that most parents are not on holidays but do all you can to spend time with your children. If you can conveniently leave work an hour earlier than usual, do so. Instead of cramming your calendar full of engagements, meetings etc shed what you can as much as possible. The holidays can be a great time for you and your children!