Six year old Suzie, walking to commence school, squeezed her mother's hand, but her mother gave her no answering grip. Her little case with pencils, paper, lunch and cup, were in her other hand.

'Now, do what the teacher says,' advised Mother, as she walked Suzie through the gateway to the class room. 'You'll be all right.' And without that answering hug, or loving pat or even kiss, Suzie walked alone to the teacher to begin her schooling.

Suzie had not been prepared for the demands of school. Her mother presumed that school would educate her child, whereas the home should have prepared Suzie.

Dr Howard Hendricks, a Christian communicator, suggested procedures to secure and integrate a child. He encouraged us to practice these guiding principles.
Importantly, a child should know she/he is loved: be able to adapt to situations; mix acceptably with others; and free to develop her/his personality and skills.

Everyone looks for love, which is expressed in acceptance. When children know they are loved, they are content and happy. Children form their picture of God's love from their parents' loving model. They will react when told 'God loves you', especially when they do not see gentleness, tenderness, affection, or loving care from parents. They may feel, 'God cannot love us, if He's like Dad or Mum.'

Work on expressing love, for the sake of your child. When a father or mother cuddles a baby, toddler, or child with endearing words, that child's picture of God will be true, with their warm understanding befitting their age.

Remember how Simeon took the baby Jesus in the temple in his arms and blessed HIM. Remember how the disciples tried to turn away the mothers with their children, but lovingly, Jesus took them in HIS arms and blessed them.

When parents regularly express loving care, a child's image of God will heighten. We are models for our children. A new baby was born in our home, when our daughter and her family stayed with us. I loved to hear the young mother crooning endearingly to her little sons, singing, and cuddling with her husband the new baby and 3 year old son. My husband commented, 'That's just what we did.'

In single parent families, an uncle, aunt, grandparent or family friend, sensitive to the child's need of love should caringly support the parent. Lifetime attitudes are formed in childhood, and passed on to the next generation. 'That's exactly what my dear Mother used to do'; for she was a beautiful, godly example.

Meet the emotional needs of young people and children with appreciation, commendation, and acceptance. A small gift; a longed-for book; a day at the cricket; showing interest in their hobbies and school work.

Some situations are not easy to adjust; so teach your child how to face various crises. You may ask, 'How did I react in the last crisis? Did I panic or pray: become distressed; or sit and quietly discuss possibilities with someone'?

Our dear friends were bereaved of a small child through a tragic accident. The mother told me some of the children's reactions; profound; humorous; but very natural. We cried and laughed over them. Their reactions were ascribed to their preparation to face difficulties. They talked so naturally of their little sister's death, knowing that she was happy with her Lord.

When the parents accepted their child's death, the children's reactions and expressions bore Christian testimony through the whole district. On a lighter note, I was invited to the final day of the Indonesian Mission field conference. With limited accommodation, we booked into a Javanese guest-house, being allotted a large room with one huge bed for the eight of us. Well, we slept sideways across the bed. The man playing the gongs outside the small window interrupted our sleep. Surprisingly, we can adjust to any situation: and children enjoy the fun side.

In Adelaide, when electricity failed, we boiled water for a wash. Our girls queried, 'Oh, dear, how can we bath in a small basin of water?' I reminded them that twice daily for 3 years we bathed that way in East Java. You can adjust if you really try.

To mix with others, children must share with other children, from family, relatives, old or young friends. Use play groups and regular Sunday school; children's picnics and play days. Children should never show off, however clever they appear. Do not press them to sing, recite, dance or perform. Teach them how to converse about nature, games, hobbies and to be generally friendly to people.

When you are guest in a home with children, interest yourself in their books, toys, and hobbies. Have a story for them. They will welcome your return.

Cultivate wise enjoyment of sport. Don't major on 'You must win, but enjoyment and fairness of the game.' But if they see Dad or Mum angry over the Ashes (cricket), or results of Wimbledon (tennis), or the football final (AFL) they will fume over their child sport. A child must learn to lose contentedly, as well as win: to give as well as receive. I enjoy what a child has made, whether simple gift or card. Give them pride of place and commend them for giving such delight.

Wise parents recognise the differing personality and skills of each child, committing each life to God, meanwhile developing their skills and abilities. Recognise divergent aptitudes in a family. Do not prefer the studious one to the practical one. Be pleased with a child's maths, but equally commend the boy who hammers a straight nail, or works with wood; or the girl who cooks attractively or sews or knits.

Commend the creative little artist, but do not demean the cook (girl or boy), the reader who delights in words and pictures or the one who grubs in the garden. Recognise their abilities, and discuss the best use of their talents. Ask the children how best they can use their skilfulness for the Lord.

No favourites or preferential treatment. All children are God-created. Encourage them to develop their personalities so that they will delight their Creator.
God's wisdom on each area suggested by the Communicator is imparted by simply reading and applying Proverbs. This will equip that precious child for life.
Gwenda, the writer says, 'All our six children are my favourites, 'when asked.
Her husband refers to his favourite first, second, third, fourth, and fifth daughters: and favourite son.

'AS FOR MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD. 'Joshua 24:15