YouTube Discussions

Parents Have a Hard Job…But So Do Kids

April 5, 2013

Main Point: Even though parents do a lot to make sure their kids have a good life, there are some things kids must do for themselves in order to have a good life.

Discussion Starter:
Bluefish TV has launched a hilarious video about moms and dads called The Parent Rap. It features a married couple spitting rhymes while wrangling their three little kids. They address just about every humorous situation parents have found themselves in since the dawn of time.

The video clip provides a fun way to introduce the important topic of roles and responsibilities within the family. Yes, mom and dad have a big job, but kids must pull their weight, too.

The clip can be viewed on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_NspDWssIY

Transitional Statement:
I don’t know if that video reminded you of your parents or not, but it reminded me of mine! After watching that clip, let me ask you, “Did you know that parenting could be so tough?” There’s a lot that goes into being a parent. Parents have the never-ending task of making sure their kids have a good life, which is what we all want. But the truth is, kids must shoulder some of the responsibility, too. Let’s spend a few moments talking about the roles of parents and kids and see what the Bible has to say about each of them.

Divide into Small Groups:
Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups, and then afterward we’ll come back together for a final word.

CLICK HERE for a quick training article on how to maximize your small groups using our small group format—a great resource to equip your small group leaders.

Discussion Questions:

AROUND THE CIRCLE: As we get started, let’s all take a second to share our names and our favorite line from the video.

ASK A FEW: What were some of the responsibilities you saw the mom and dad handle for their family?

ASK A FEW: What do you think is the toughest part of being a parent?

ASK A FEW: What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being a parent?

ASK A FEW: Is it possible for a family to have perfect parents but rotten kids? Why or why not?

ASK A FEW: What does God expect of our parents? What are some of the things He wants them to do?

ASK A FEW: What does God expect of kids? What does He want you to do?

Read the following passage:

Commit yourself to instruction; attune your ears to hear words of knowledge. 13 Don’t fail to correct your children. They won’t die if you spank them. 14 Physical discipline may well save them from death. 15 My child, how I will rejoice if you become wise. 16 Yes, my heart will thrill when you speak what is right and just. 17 Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD. 18 For surely you have a future ahead of you; your hope will not be disappointed. 19 My child, listen and be wise. Keep your heart on the right course. 20 Do not carouse with drunkards and gluttons, 21 for they are on their way to poverty. Too much sleep clothes a person with rags. 22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother’s experience when she is old. 23 Get the truth and don’t ever sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and discernment. 24 The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure it is to have wise children. 25 So give your parents joy! May she who gave you birth be happy. 26 O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes delight in my ways of wisdom.

ASK A FEW: Why does the Bible start off this passage by telling us to commit ourselves to instruction? Why is that important?

ASK A FEW: What are some of the things the Bible tells parents to do in this passage? (Leaders – The passages encourages parents to punish their kids when necessary, teach their kids, etc.)

ASK A FEW: What are some of the things the Bible tells kids to do in this passage? (Leaders – Speak what is right, don’t envy sinners, fear the Lord, listen, seek wisdom, watch your heart, stay away from bad influences, obey your parents, embrace discipline, and grow in discernment.)

ASK A FEW: Is this good advice for kids today? Why or why not?

ASK A FEW: If a kid were to do all those things continually, what kind of life would he or she have? Why?

ASK A FEW: What are some of the consequences of NOT living according to this passage?

AROUND THE CIRCLE: What could your PARENTS do better and what could YOU do better to ensure that your life looks the way God wants it to?

AROUND THE CIRCLE: How will you apply this passage to your family’s life this week?

Wrap Up:
Since none of you are parents yet, I don’t expect you to fully understand the importance of parenting. But, I do ask you to take my word for it: being a good parent is the hardest task most adults try to accomplish…even if they work for NASA!

The video clip we watched talked about some of the tasks moms and dads have in the lives of their families, but let’s talk about some of the more serious, less funny tasks parents have. How about teaching you guys about God’s Word? How about walking with you through heartbreak? How about shielding you from all the terrible influences in the world? How about trying to make ends meet in a troubled economy?

See, it’s not easy to be a parent.

And even though they work hard and want the best for you, it’s still not a guarantee that you’re going to have the life God wants you to have. That’s because YOU have to fulfill your God-given responsibilities, as well. We looked at the passage from Proverbs 23 and found that it was crammed with stuff you as kids need to be doing, things like seeking wisdom, chasing after discernment, steering clear of bad influences, guarding your heart, embracing discipline, and so on. None of those are easy, but all of them are required to have a balanced, godly life.

The truth is, you can have the best parents in the world, but if you don’t pull your weight, your life will suffer the consequences of your disobedience.

Here’s what I want to do as we close up. Let’s take a few quiet moments to pray for those who parent us. It might be mom and dad, or it might be a grandparent or uncle. It doesn’t matter who it is, I’m talking about the person that loves you enough to make major sacrifices to raise you. But let’s also pray about our willingness to receive their instruction and meet the obligations God has placed on us.

(Leaders – You may want to give them some guided thoughts to reflect upon as they pray. After some individual prayer time….)

I’m going to pray for us in a moment, too, but let me encourage you with an offer. If you’re having a really difficult time with your parents or your parents are having a difficult time with you, or your family is facing some big trial right now, let me invite you to speak with me or one of the other adults before you leave. It would be our honor to help you and your family.

Close in Prayer

Written by David R Smith