Question:
An important question crossed my mind as I was reading your devotional on the subject of truth this morning. How do we best deal with this subject concerning children, and their “make believe” play?
We know very well that being “liars from the womb” kids can tell lies, “half-truths”, and “white lies” all on their own. It is not something we have to teach our children! But how do you teach them not to confuse “make-believe”, when it is all around them in this world? My two older children were not allowed to read fairy tales, for instance. I felt at that time these stories were not God’s best for them. But you could, potentially, allow a child to read a christian story, and still satan could use it against that child.
We are very interested to hear your thoughts on this matter, please, when you can allow time to respond.
Thank you so very much.
Mrs. Rogers
Answer:
Mrs. Rogers,
Make-believe is part of the creativity of a child’s life. I wouldn’t try to squelch that as this is a very important part of a child becoming creative in life. For instance, it takes creativity to come up with different ideas on how to present a truth. Many times in the Scriptures Jesus used parables which were nothing more than Him creating a make-believe story to apply a truth. Be careful about trying to stop this part of your child, but direct it in the right direction. This is normal for children. I will say this as well, it is important that children learn to live in the reality as well. Many times children will withdraw themselves into a make-believe world to get away from reality of events that they do not like. Though I don’t believe that would be the case with your children, you must understand that children will do this at times. Direct their make-believe to the positive and I believe you will be thankful later on in their life. I hope this answers your question.
Bro. Domelle