by Janet Wahlquist ~ July 2006
A wonderful little book called "Creative Family Times" has many great, practical ideas for structuring our little ones' time and nurturing their spiritual growth. One idea we have been blessed by is what we call Room Time with a Bible tape. This is a structured time for your child to play by himself in a designated area and for a certain amount of time. "Why structure anything at all?" one might ask. One reason is that much is learned by practicing submission to restraints imposed. The child learns Self Control, which is essential for all other Character Qualities. Staying in the room, playing quietly, not calling for mom, etc., all develop Self Control. "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." (Proverbs 25:28) "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Galatians 5:24). Obedience and Availability are strengthened. The children learn (by daily practice) to do what is helpful to someone else, even if inconvenient or unappealing to them. "…not my will, but thine, be done." (Luke 22:42) "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1) Also, bathing their mind in Scripture instills Virtue. "But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:2) "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" (2 Peter 1:3) Creativity and Contentment are fostered . They must learn to "create" their own play. When they pick up at the end of their time, they pick up Orderliness. J "Let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:40)
We usually start with a crib or blanket time as early as 4 months to two years old. This is a quiet play- time with a few toys and appropriate books. I like to play a tape at this time of Scripture reading without dramatic interpretation. The authors of "Creative Family Times" have other suggestions of things to play on the tape as well. Recording verses and character qualities you would like the child to grasp is super. Never underestimate spiritual truths your child may be able to soak in. Our Society majors on intellect and ignores the spiritual realm.
A good way to begin might be to start with a small increment of time and build gradually. For example, 15 minutes every day for a week, then 20 minutes daily for a week, finally increasing to one hour. One of my babies had his hour time when he was six months old and would fall asleep at the end for his afternoon nap. He always woke up so happy. Some had more of a struggle to spend a full hour, but the benefits were always worth the effort. As a child grows older, a room-time can be started. I like to still keep the child on his bed or an area rug, as this confines the play and helps keep it quiet. Limiting the amount and type of toys encourages calm play, as well.
A word should be said here about how to achieve Room Time. The mother must be firmly resolved to institute it. The child should have other needs met first (potty, lunch, water, or whatever). Consistency is also important-every day (maybe Saturday and Sunday might be different) and it helps to have it at generally the same time of day, too. This can be a challenge. It is humbling to realize that we as parents must develop self control and these other qualities in order to build them in our children. "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;" (Romans 12:11). A key aspect for success is your child's obedience. As with starting any new structured activity, the child's will needs to be trained. Remember, Obedience is cheerful, quick, no answers back, and thorough. If a child does not demonstrate one of these hallmarks of obedience, the behavior or attitude will need to be firmly and lovingly dealt with. In this manner, Playtime will reap peaceable fruits of righteousness in your child.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)
"Blessed is the man that heareth Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors." (Proverbs 8:34)
Room Time is given here to spark ideas and applications to our individual families and situations. At certain times or seasons it may not be possible or become too burdensome. There are many other ways to develop character and to surround our children with Scripture. May God bless your family with His presence and power this month.
