Children see, children do

As I’m trying to finish this awesome book “Duties of the Parent” By J.C. Ryle I came across a quote that fits exactly how I feel about being a Christian Preschool Teacher. I’ve said before that I often fear any thoughts of parents possibly thinking that the Christian teacher or even Sunday School Teacher will be the one to pass on the faith, to teach the stories, and to build character. We are only a reinforcement of the truths that are taught at home. God did not ordain for us to have as big of an impact as parents do. This is what J.C. Ryle says on “school masters” vs. parental example:

“Fathers and mothers, do not forget that children learn more by the eye than they do by the ear. No school will make such deep marks on character as home. The best of schoolmasters will not imprint on their minds as much as they will pick up at your fireside….Take care, then, what you do before a child. It is a true proverb, ‘Who sins before a child, sins double.’….”

Below is an example of what children can catch from their parents-simply by watching. The visual really makes one think.

That video can be super sad. I think it’s meant to have that effect to make us think. But if there could be a video of your children following in your footsteps, what would they be doing? Would they be lifting their hands in worship? Would they be running to pray with you? Would they be retelling bible stories to their dolls and siblings? Sin isn’t the only thing that catches on to children.