Dec 5

Dec 5 Family Values

Life can be confusing for children. They receive countless messages every day about what right and wrong is, how they "should" act, how they "should" look, and how they "should" be. The increase in social media has children, teens, and adults constantly comparing themselves to others. Thankfully, as Christians, we have numerous stories and teachings that we can "compare" ourselves to (and actually benefit and learn from).

Jesus and His teachings provide a solid guidebook about what our values can look like. Instead of children and teens asking: "would my friends/celebrities/society approve?", they can ask: "would God approve?" This helps children and teens to look to themselves and God for answers, rather than society. It gives children and teens a sense of independence and allows them to make decisions on what is right and wrong for them when adults are not around. It encourages them to pray and strengthen their relationship with God, especially in times of need.

By making God the priority of our homes, children see how their parents approach God and His teachings every day, which will make it easier for them to do outside of the home and when they become adults themselves. No one can lift 200 pounds on their first day working out; it takes consistency and time to build up to that heavy weight. Similarly, it takes time and consistency to build a relationship with God, which only makes us stronger in our values when difficulties and temptations come our way in life. The only way for our children to know and live by our Christian values (even if they look a little different on everyone) is for it to start in and be a priority in our homes. It sets them up to be able to stand up for themselves and their faith in the difficult world we live in.

So, how can we start to make Him the priority? It is going to look different for everyone, but I believe a great place to start is weekly or daily family traditions, such a morning and/or dinner prayer, weekly church services, discussions about Christ and His teachings when difficulties come up, icons around the home, encouraging children and teens to pray about their life stressors, or maybe even creating community by having regular gatherings with children, teens, or families with similar values. Your family values and traditions may look a little different, but every little step towards God slowly adds up.

Written by Guest Author Angelique Soulakos

Angelique is a therapist in the Atlanta area and works with children, adolescents, and young adults who struggle with anxiety, stress, trauma, and relationship issues. She earned a BS in Psychology from Georgia Institute of Technology and a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University. She attends both St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church in Peachtree City, Georgia, where she grew up, and Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Marietta, Georgia, where she lives now. When she isn't in the office, she is teaching group exercise classes at the YMCA, walking her dog, Soto, or hanging out with friends at coffee shops or new restaurants. Angelique also enjoys traveling to new places and learning more about different cultures.