Back to the basics 2 Timothy 4 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.

The church is a reflection of the society. Our leaders are a reflection of the society. Our children are a reflection of the society. We are all a product of our environment we then become producers of our environment What kind of a product are you and what kind of producer did you become. Charity begins at home.

Parenting in the 21st Century ‘Children are born optimists…….’ ‘‘Parenting is for the courageous not the perfect’

“Hy Joseph. I am one of the teens who attended the seminar and actually am the girl who asked the que abt the sexual abuse. So a man in fb tricked mi and i went to meet him in Nairobi then we went to his so called home and he claimed he was living with his parents. I realised he was over 18 yrz but i went. When it got dark i asked to leave and he claimed am safe and thea are no matatus. He claimed am safe and since it was nyt i just staid thea. My parents kold but i just lackd words to say to mi. That kiman , that criminal broke my virginity. it was painful. Am facing low self esteem, depresn i hate myself for this!! I thnk am a lesser woman and no man will marry me!!! it's affecting my concentration in skul and am facing emotional breakdown... The news spread now my cousins and grandparents view me as a slut who goes to men houses. How do i move on?? This man threatened me and for reputation i can't report him . Please help mi. Thankyou........”  

Becoming a transformational parent Glass symbol: Transparent, empty, ready to receive.

Definition P-Present A- Attending R- Responsible E- Encourager/ Educator N- Nurturer T- Trainer/Teacher S- Sensitive/ Supportive

Roles and responsibilities of parents PRESENT Parents need to be present for their children up to 18 years. Before 18 years the child is incapable of doing many things on their own. Children have the longest duration of dependence compared to animals.(11 months to be on feet) Physical presence makes one a role model to the child.

Attending Parents need to attend to their children This helps parents discover things about their children e.g. friends, school issues, levels of knowledge. It requires parental involvement in school functions, Sunday school events & dialogue. Talking to children is very important. Communicate to children in a language they can understand. Be firm in the tone of your voice and in your expectations of your children.

Responsible Parents need to always take responsibility of their children and provide for them accordingly. ‘Is this where my money is going…………….?’

Encourager/ Educator Parents need to be a source of encouragement to their children. Psychologists have established that a person is likely to treat others the same way he/ she was treated as a child. Encouraging a child will instil some level of education, esteem. Children are able to understand what is taught and at 6 years the memory will hold important lessons taught to old age.

Some psychologists believe that most of what adults practice is what they learnt up to 18 years. Criminals are made in childhood and promoted and acted out fully in adulthood hence child activities should be monitored closely. Introduce the child to spiritual teachings- Jesus went to the temple as a child. The parent has the responsibility to introduce the child to the kingdom of God because it belongs to them. Children hold a central place in the teaching of Jesus.

Nurturing & Supporting Nurturing involves providing the child with basic needs for their growth. Psychologists consider well nurturing parents to possess the following characteristics. They are warm and accepting They spend time with their children They guide the child They do not humiliate their children Humiliation provokes a child’s anger.

Give responsibilities to children at their appropriate age. Teach children virtues of honesty hard work, respect for adults , hospitality etc. Encourage working children to live on their own and let the married children live their life. Let children learn to be responsible with items money etc and handle them well. Avoid using sarcastic ridiculing language.

Children should be taught to be organized and tidy (they are allergic to it) Do not discriminate or compare children & avoid emotional verbal or physical abuse. Teach children to pray and pray with them.

Teach /Train Home is the first school for every child e.g walking, talking, negotiation skills e.t.c. Train the child good virtues e.g honesty, hard work, trustworthiness, respect etc. Train the child basic survival skills e.g assertiveness, negotiation skills e.t.c Continue training the child morals in every stage of development. Create a responsible individual in the child.

In everything put God first!