Kids’ Corner with Aunty Tomi Obagboye
Honour Your Father and Mother: Showing Love Every Day
What does it mean to honour our parents? Through Ayo’s story, we discover how listening, gratitude and everyday kindness can help us show love and respect.
Our memory verse
“Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;”
— Ephesians 6:2, King James Version
Hello, children!
How do you show someone that they matter to you?
Perhaps you listen when they speak, thank them for their help or offer a helping hand.
The Bible teaches us to honour our father and mother. To honour someone means to value them and treat them with respect.
We can practise this every day through our words, choices and actions.
Ayo and his father’s advice
Ayo lived in a big city with his parents. His father worked as a gardener.
Although his father had not received a formal education, he valued learning and encouraged Ayo to study his books.
Ayo did not take that advice seriously. He allowed time with friends to distract him from his studies.
Later, Ayo sat his university entrance examination—an examination for students who want to continue their education at university. He did not pass.
Ayo felt sad and regretted not listening to his father.
His story reminds us to appreciate loving guidance. A person’s job or level of schooling does not decide their worth. Parents and carers can share wisdom gained through work, experience and caring for their families.
An examination result does not decide a child’s worth either. When learning is difficult, asking for help is a wise and brave step.
What does honour look like?
Listen with care.Pause and pay attention when your parent or carer speaks. Ask politely if you need something explained.
Speak with kindness.You can express your feelings respectfully. Try saying: “I feel upset. Please, can we talk about it?”
Show gratitude.Say thank you for the care, encouragement and help you receive.
Help where you can.Choose a suitable task, such as putting away your toys, arranging your books or helping to set the table.
Value people.Treat people with dignity whatever their job, education or circumstances. We can also show kindness and respect to teachers and other people who help us learn.
Some children live with one parent, grandparents, relatives or other carers. These everyday acts of appreciation can help us value those who lovingly care for us.
When we make a mistake
Everyone is learning.
If you have spoken unkindly or ignored helpful guidance, you can tell the truth, apologise and think about what to do differently.
God’s love gives us courage to learn and begin again. You can ask for help whenever you need it.
Let’s talk together
- What does it mean to honour someone?
- What helpful advice did Ayo’s father give him?
- What could Ayo have done differently?
- How can you explain your feelings respectfully?
- What is one thing you appreciate about your parent or carer?
Our activity: Three ways to show love
With your parent, carer or teacher, complete these sentences:
One thing I appreciate about you is __________.
One way I can help today is __________.
One piece of helpful advice I will practise is __________.
You can say your answers aloud or draw them together.
Let us pray
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word and for the people who care for me. Help me to honour my parents and carers through kind words, grateful thoughts and helpful actions. Forgive me when I speak or act unkindly. Give me wisdom to listen, courage to ask for help and patience to keep learning. Help our families to grow in love and understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For parents, carers and teachers
Read the story together and invite children to share their thoughts. Explain the reasons behind instructions and welcome respectful questions.
Recognise effort, offer help with learning and model the kindness you want children to practise. Academic difficulties should be met with support and encouragement.
Teach children that respect includes speaking honestly about worries. They can always seek help from a trusted adult if someone asks them to do something harmful or keep a frightening secret.
Today’s reminder: Honour through kindness. Listen with care. Show gratitude every day.