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Christi Deason joins the show again, this time to chat about the importance of prioritizing relationships in the homeschool. We talk about the two priority relationships for our children, their relationship to God and their relationship to us, their parents.

First, the most important relationship for us to help cultivate is their relationship with Jesus. That should be our #1 goal, not academics!

Why should we prioritize relationships over academics?

• The Bible has very little to say about academic instruction.
• The Bible warns against prioritizing anything that has to do with prosperity.
  • “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36
  • Usually the primary purpose for focusing on academics is a concern about our children “getting good jobs” and being “successful.”
  • Very intelligent people who are morally bankrupt may become successful by the world’s standards, but they often do the most damage. As C. S. Lewis stated in his book, Mere Christianity (affiliate), “Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.”

How do we properly prioritize their relationship with the Lord?

• It happens naturally as we do life with them and they see our own walk.
• We must be strong in our own faith!
• Look for opportunities to make faith real and practical to everyday life.

This primary relationship depends on our parental relationship. We are a picture of Christ to them.

How do we cultivate that?

• Treat them as individuals.
  • They are not our property or slaves.
  • They are our “brothers and sisters” in Christ!
• Love unconditionally – “Love is patient, love is kind…”

Practical ideas for building relationships:

• Have a weekly Family Movie Night.
• Schedule in regular talk time or time just being together so talking can take place naturally (watching a favorite show, working on a hobby, etc.).
• Take your children on errands and special outings one-on-one
• Find good Bible study resources. Some of our favorites for helping our children develop their own devotional time were Kay Arthur’s Discover 4 Yourself® Inductive Bible Studies for Kids. Here are a few my children enjoyed:
  • How to Study Your Bible for Kids (affiliate)
  • Lord, Teach Me to Pray for Kids (affiliate)
  • You’re a Brave Man, Daniel! (affiliate)

Everything hinges on prayer and following God’s leading. Ask the Lord how you can better prioritize the relationships in your family, then listen as He directs!

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