Children’s Corner with Aunty Tomi Obagboye
Children, Obey Your Parents: Learning to Listen with Love
A Bible lesson about listening carefully, making wise choices and showing love through everyday actions. Read Henry’s story together, explore the pictures and discover something helpful to practise today.
Memory verse
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”
— Ephesians 6:1, King James Version
Hello, children!
Have you ever wanted to do something so much that listening became difficult?
Perhaps you wanted to keep playing when it was time to tidy up. Perhaps your parent or carer asked you to stay somewhere safe, but your friends were doing something exciting.
Learning to listen takes practice. God helps us grow in wisdom, kindness and responsibility—and our everyday choices give us opportunities to learn.
Let us meet Henry.
Henry and the mango tree
Henry loved playing with the children in his neighbourhood.
His mother had warned him about unsafe games and asked him to stay at home with his brothers and sisters. But one day, while she was away, Henry went out to join the other children.
At first, he had a wonderful time.
Then the children decided to climb a mango tree to pick mangoes. Henry joined them. While climbing, he fell and broke his arm.
He was taken to hospital and needed a cast while his arm healed. For some weeks, he missed school and activities he enjoyed.
As he recovered, Henry thought about his mother’s instruction. She had wanted him to stay safe. He began to understand why listening mattered.
What does Henry’s story teach us?
Sometimes we understand an instruction immediately. At other times, we need someone to explain it.
When your parent or carer speaks, pause and listen. If you do not understand, ask politely: “Please, can you explain why?”
Before following your friends, think about whether the activity is safe and whether you have permission.
You can also show love and respect in small ways: putting away your toys, helping with a suitable chore, speaking kindly and keeping an agreed family rule.
When you make a mistake, tell the truth and ask for help. You can ask for forgiveness, learn from what happened and make a wiser choice next time.
Let’s talk together
- Why did Henry’s mother ask him to stay at home?
- What could Henry have done before joining his friends?
- How can you ask a question respectfully?
- What is one way you can help at home today?
Our activity: Listen, think, act
With your parent or carer, choose one helpful task.
You might arrange your books, put away your toys or help prepare the table.
Then complete this sentence together:
“Today, I will show love and responsibility by __________.”
Let us pray
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. Help me to listen carefully, speak kindly and make wise choices. When I make mistakes, help me to be honest, ask for forgiveness and learn. Help the grown-ups who care for me to guide me with patience and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today’s reminder: Listen with care. Ask with respect. Choose with wisdom.
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