Welcome to this week’s Parent-Driven Discussion, where we will think deeply about the importance of controlling our words.
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for thoughtful questions to spark meaningful conversations with your kids. A good discussion builds a connection and guides your children on their discipleship journey. This week’s focus is on controlling your words. Use these questions during family devotions, at the dinner table, or whenever you’re gathered together.
You may notice something new in this week’s Parent Driven Discussion: two sets of questions–one for younger kids and one for older kids. My goal is to help your entire family discuss God’s Word together in a way that is appropriate for them. You can even take a few questions from each list to make it work best for your unique combination of ages and developmental levels. Whether your child is learning how to listen or asking deeper questions about their faith, you’ll find a conversation starter just right for them.
Side-note: Please leave a comment to let me know whether this new format is helpful!
Bible Focus
James 3:5 – “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire.”
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Let your walk back up your talk?” It reminds us that our actions should align with our words. However, in today’s Parent-Driven Discussion, we’re considering how our words actually propel our actions forward. The words we speak, especially at home, can shape the direction of our hearts and attitudes. Those words can lead to tearing down or building up another person. James points out how big of an impact that a tiny part of our body–the tongue–can make. Just like a forest fire can be set by a small fire, relationship disasters usually begin with the words coming out of our mouths. With just a few careless words, we can hurt someone that we love. But with a few kind and loving words, we can build people up and strengthen our relationships. Let’s get started with the discussion!
Discussion Questions
Here are two sets of questions: one for younger children (7 and under) and another for older children (8 and up). If you have kids in both age groups, I encourage you to mix it up to reach the whole family!
Younger Kids Questions
What are some kind words you can say to one of your family members?
What happens when we say something mean?
How do you feel when someone says something nice to you?
Can we ask God to help us say kind things?
Older Kid Questions
Why do you think our words are so powerful?
Have you ever said something you wished you could take back? Could you tell us more about it?
What kind of words do you think please God?
How can we use our words to build each other up this week?
Additional Verse: James 3:9 – “With it (our tongue) we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.“
Family Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for this time we spent discussing the importance of controlling our words. Speaking kindly can be challenging at times, so please help us choose our words carefully. Please give us the power to build up instead of tearing down. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Try This:
Family Encouragement Jar
Materials: bowl, small pieces of paper, and something to write with.
How to Play:
- Place the bowl in a place where the family spends a lot of time.
- During the week, each family member writes down one kind and encouraging thing they heard someone else say and place it in the bowl.
- At next week’s Parent Driven Discussion time, read them aloud together and celebrate how everyone used their words to build others up.
Next Steps
Looking for more ways to grow together as a family? Try our Colossians or Proverbs Family Bible Studies—each includes Scripture, guided conversations, and ideas for life application.
My Favorite Family Discipleship Resources
10 Reasons to Read the Bible as a Family
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