Conversation Starter: Good Attitudes

Posted by Teeny

Use these discussion starters to help foster a spiritual conversation with your family.

Life is filled with struggles. Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “When life gives you a lemon, just make lemonade,” but that’s a lot easier said than done. When you’re going through a trial in your life, the last thing you want to hear is a cheesy saying. You need real help and a real understanding of God’s purpose for your struggle. In the Book of James, we discover how, through Christ, we can overcome our trials and turn them into joy.

Concept: Good Attitudes

PRESCHOOL
Matthew 5:1-12

Life Point: We can trust God.

• What are some ways that Jesus showed kindness to people?
• Who is kind to you?
• How can you show kindness to other people?

Live it out: Think of different reactions to scenarios your child has faced. Tell those reactions to your preschooler, and ask him to say whether each action shows a good attitude or a bad attitude. Help your child think about how Jesus was kind. Talk together about one person he can show kindness to. Help him think of a way to show kindness to someone and to carry it out.

KIDS
Matthew 5:1-12

Life Point: Keep a good attitude at all times.

• Why did Jesus say you should be blessed when people persecute you?
• Are you ever teased because of your Christian beliefs?

Live it out: Sit down with your child, and make a list of attitudes, both good and bad. Ask your child to draw a facial expression that a person with each of those attitudes might have. Remind your child this week that when he faces a problem to ask himself what he thinks Jesus’ attitude would be when dealing with that problem.

STUDENTS
James 1:1-4

The Point: Joyful trust in God will get you through any trial.

• What’s a struggle we’ve faced together as a family?
• Are you struggling with anything right now I can help you with?

Discuss the following quote: “You can’t always control circumstances. However, you can always control your attitude, approach, and response.”¹ —Tony Dungy

Live it out:

Remind your student that God uses trials for our good.
Help your student think of the best way to respond to specific trials he or she may face.

Tell your student about how God has strengthened you through trials.

1. Tony Dungy, Whitaker, Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2007), 16.

Posted in Just For Parents | Tagged Camp Crestridge for Girls, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Conversation Starters, Ridgecrest Summer Camps