From the moment we hold our dear little babies for the first time, we start communicating with them. At first there is no response, but soon we see their little faces light up and respond with a smile, and then follows the usual “baby talk” we all love to hear.

All babies who are talked to develop into happier, well-adjusted adults. It has been known that babies raised in orphanages, where the caregivers have too much to do other than prop up a bottle in the baby’s mouth and care for its basic needs without any affection or communication, grow up lacking proper social skills and cannot adjust properly into society. So, mothers, as well as fathers, take the time to communicate with your children when they are babies and young children. You are not wasting time, but are developing a lifelong communication for which you will ever be grateful.

Communication is a two-way experience. A parent should not dominate and not allow the baby/child to say anything. How will they ever confide in you when they are in their turbulent teens if you haven’t learnt to listen to their side of the story while they were little, and you thought their problems were so trivial or time consuming? Be ready to acknowledge your mistakes if you have incorrectly admonished them. Children are so forgiving. They don’t hold grudges, and they will respect you more for it. No wonder Jesus said, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

Some of our family’s happiest times happened around the meal table. We always sat at the table for our meals and talked, and did we all love to talk! As the children got older, we would come home at night from a visit or social gathering, put the two little ones to bed, and we would both sit up (many times for more than an hour if necessary) and talk to the older children and listen to what they had experienced, both positive and negative. Much needful advice was given and taken, joys and sorrows shared, and a bonding developed that has helped them so much through those years when peer pressure is so great and parental advice often disregarded.

One thing we must realize is that our young people are living in a more depraved world than in which we grew up. There is so much more exposure to immorality and wrong practices that we have to take a different approach than our parents took with us, that is, “Don’t do this” or “You are not allowed to do that” with no explanation given. We always explained why and would look for examples to illustrate why. Children are more ready to listen when you explain from cause to effect and illustrate it from experiences that have happened to people they come in contact with. All behaviour, whether good or bad, has consequences, and we were quick to point these out to them. We encouraged the good and, if they did something wrong (they weren’t perfect), we talked to them and helped them sort out the wrong and encouraged them to make right choices in the future. They especially found it helpful when we told them stories of how we ourselves struggled in our teens with a similar situation. This made them realize that we have their best interests at heart and that if we fall, God is merciful and will forgive and help us to do better next time.

Through all of your family’s communication, never forget that the most essential communication is with God. Pray with and for your children and teach them to tell God everything just the way it is and seek His leading in the choices they have to make.

Praise God for the gift of communication with Him and with our children.