The importance of the community

When children enter kindergarten, they begin to bring home questions, behaviors and expressions that present new challenges for parents. Parents may hear about older children bullying younger ones, or teachers questioning the existence of God. Parents cannot completely protect their children from outside influences - and that is not the goal. Children grow up in communities: in kindergarten, in the sports club or in the scouts.

The Bible shows us how central the role of mother and father is in raising children, but it also emphasizes the importance of the community. Raising children is not a purely private matter. It is a multi-layered task that moves between education and upbringing: education imparts knowledge, while upbringing shapes character, values and norms. The Bible invites us to involve God in all decisions, including education (cf. Proverbs 3:5-6). Education happens primarily through role models and through loving, authentic relationships - not through words alone.

But who is part of this educational network? In addition to parents, grandparents, godparents, friends, the media, nursery and school all influence a child's development. Positive influences can be enriching, but different parenting styles or values can also lead to tensions. Clear communication is therefore essential, whether in dialog with grandparents or in discussions with educational professionals. Open agreements about educational goals create understanding and strengthen cooperation.

Media use is also an important topic. Studies show that parental behavior - such as looking at their cell phone too often - can affect the relationship with their children. Parents are role models, even when it comes to how digital media is used. Unfiltered consumption can convey problematic messages: unrealistic ideals of beauty, distorted images of relationships or a negative image of women or men. Children need guidance in order to learn how to use media in a healthy way.

Other institutions also contribute to education. Churches offer community, spiritual strengthening and they create spaces in which parents and children can experience Christian values and share their experiences. The main responsibility for parenting therefore lies with the parents, but it is always embedded in a network of influences. Parents are called upon to actively shape these influences - through clear communication, a conscious role model function and faith in a God who lovingly accompanies and strengthens their family.

Next Step: Are you pulling in the same direction as the other people in your child's life? Or are you pulling in several directions? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you in prayer how you can turn the many strands into one.