How do you train your children for the real world?

[LadyofLight]

Hello all, I am new here.

My child and I live alone in a pretty run down area. I don't let her run around outside with the other kids, because they display rather criminal behavior. I am not exaggerating. The most tame thing I can think of off the top of my head was the black graffiti that covered the whole side of an outbuilding...

This confuses my daughter endlessly. And she really wants friends. But just by walking through the neighborhood with me, she has learned more curse words than I am ok with...

I would like to reach out in Christ's name to these families, but my attempts to do so have only earned their contempt. We pray for them regularly.

I'm just wondering how I can use this hard place to train my little one up to be a godly, compassionate woman.

Thank you all

 

[Scarlett O.]

Hi LOL - (LOL!)

Seriously, I'm glad you came here. Do you have a church home that you can call family? If so, are there children there that she could be friends with? How old is she?

Only you know the real dangers of that neighborhood and you have to trust your gut instinct when it come to deciding if she can play with those other children or not.

What about inviting one or two to your house so you can supervise a small group?

 

[annsni]

I agree that a good church home will really help. Also, our children pick up SO much from how we act around them that we really are the best models for them to learn how to live in the real world. Be honest with your daughter when appropriate and try to explain things to her as to why you think the way you do. We were just talking about this with my kids today and they told us that they really appreciate how we speak to them about things and explain our thoughts rather than just saying "NO" or whatever. Showing them our hearts will help to shape theirs.

 

[Sue-Ellen]

I agree with the fact that you can't just tell a child "No" without explaining why. They don't always understand unless you take the time to tell them. I am not sure of her age that makes a difference also. I don't believe all children are bad in that neighborhood. There has got to be good kids even though it is not the best of neighborhoods. Do you have a church that you go to where your daughter could meet some friends that she could hang out with? Is she home schooled or does she go to public school? I am sure there are other parents in that neighborhood feeling the same way.

 

[LadyofLight]

Wow, I really appreciate the support! We do have a church, but the congregation is spread out around the area. It takes a real effort to get together, so we do that some, but not regularly. And she is homeschooled. She was bullied pretty bad the one year I had her in school, so that's out. But I do take her to homeschool groups. It's just, there again, everyone is spread thin and busy...

I think I have been appropriately honest with her... She sees with her own eyes that things aren't right. And maybe we were clumsy when we approached these families, but when we have invited different kids over, their parents were vicious. Nearly abusive with their words... I was surprised by it. It was as if I had walked up to them and insulted their children to their faces or something... really strange. The only other response we have gotten was very cold. So... I'll just keep praying for all of them I guess! LOL 1 Tim 3 is nearly here I think...

 

[Sue-Ellen]

It sounds like a not so nice place to live. I am sorry that people have been so cold and abusive towards you and your daughter. Just keep praying for them. They may feel threatened by your beliefs. People can be cruel like that and ignorant when it comes to religion. I will also pray for them as well as for you and your daughter. I am glad that she goes to homeschool groups so that gets her out among others. Things will get easier as she gets older. I am glad that you and her have such a close relationship.

 

[LadyofLight]

Thank you for that. Some of these parents around here have actually told me that they disliked me because of my faith while cussing me out (in front of my child) so, yeah... that's exactly what it is. I can't afford to move, so I guess I'll just keep praying for them. Thanks for joining me in that! That made my day Laugh

 

[heisrisen]

God will use you in the area you're in and it's great that you have a heart burden to do so. I'm praying for you to have strength to be a good role model in the midst of what's going on around you. Read the word to her and teach her how we are supposed to act towards people that act as they do. I hope God opens doors of opportunity for you. God bless you and your daughter.

 

[LadyofLight]

God will use you in the area you're in and it's great that you have a heart burden to do so. I'm praying for you to have strength to be a good role model in the midst of what's going on around you. Read the word to her and teach her how we are supposed to act towards people that act as they do. I hope God opens doors of opportunity for you. God bless you and your daughter.

Amen! Thank you for the encouragement. That is the one source of peace I have in the situation. I hope one of these children can come to know Jesus Christ, and if that happens, it will all be worth it.