Introduction

A. The Authority of God’s Word

Christians understand that the Bible is God’s revelation –His authoritative standard of life. Other sources of information may help us through life, but only the bible has divine authority. Therefore we must be diligent students of the Word, faithfully reading it to discover what it says and systemically studying it to learn what it means.

B. The Priority of God’s Word

Because we are blessed with many books, sermons, and biblical resources, it is possible to study about the bible while neglecting the Bible itself. As helpful as such resources might be, they are no substitute for God’s Word and the spiritual nourishment it brings.

LESSON

1. THE NECESSITY OF BIBLE STUDY

A. For Spiritual Growth

1. 1 Peter 2:2—“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.”

Peter’s analogy of a baby illustrates the importance of God’s Word to spiritual growth. If a baby is deprived of nourishment, it will eventually die. If a Christian doesn’t feed on the Word, he or she will languish spiritually and be of little use to the kingdom of God.

In addition, the New Testament refers to Christians as being born again (John 3:7; 1 Pet. 1:3), children of God (Rom. 8:16; 1 John 3:1), and adopted sons (Rom 8:14; Eph. 1:5). Those terms imply that all believers have the capacity for spiritual growth. Peter even commands us to grow (2 Pet. 3:18).

2. 1 Corinthians 3: 1-2–The Apostle Paul said, “And I, brethen, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not able to receive it. Indeed, even now you not able.”

Paul understood the need to feed believers with God’s Word, and he used the metaphors of milk and meat to describe simple and complex biblical truths. That doesn’t mean that some parts of scripture are milk and other parts are meat. All Scripture is either milk or meat, depending how deeply you go into the text. The simple truth that “God so loved the world” (John 3:16) might be a “milk” statement to a new believer, but it might be “meat” to one who has learned the deeper truths of God’s love as revealed in Scripture.

3. Colossians 2:6-7—“As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith.”

“Your faith” in this context refers to the content of Christianity —the doctrines of Scripture. Increase understanding if Scripture brings increased steadfastness in Christ.

4. Jeremiah 15:16—The prophet Jeremiah said to the Lord, “Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart.”

Jeremiah received God’s Word with such enthusiasm that it was like fine dining to him. It was his spiritual food sustenance, and brought him great joy.

Acts 20:32–Paul said to the Ephesians elders, “I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

Our usefulness to Christ is directly related to our spiritual maturity, which is related to our knowledge of God’s Word. That’s why Bible study is so important.

A Vision for Ontario’s Early Years

Children’s early experiences last a lifetime.

During our first years of life, the brain develops at an astounding
rate. Scientists now know this process is not just genetic but is
dramatically influenced by our early experiences with people and
our surroundings.

1. National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, n.d.
   While a child’s principal sources for supportive relationships
   and learning experiences are at home, many Ontario children
   also attend child care and child and family programs. Early
   years programs play an important role in supporting children’s
   learning, development, health, and well-being. Evidence from
   diverse fields of study tells us that children grow in programs
   where adults are caring and responsive. Children succeed in
   programs that focus on active learning through exploration, play,
   and inquiry. Children thrive in programs where they and their
   families are valued as active participants and contributors.
   
2. In January 2013, the
   Ontario government released
   the Ontario Early Years Policy
   Framework, which articulates the
   following vision for early years programs:
   “Ontario’s children and families are well
   supported by a system of responsive, high-quality, accessible,
   and increasingly integrated early years programs and services that
   contribute to healthy child development today and a stronger future
   tomorrow.”
3. Ministry of Education, Ontario, 2013, p. 2.
   How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years,
   2014 builds on this policy framework and is a key component
   of Ontario’s vision for the early years. It demonstrates our
   commitment to strengthening the quality of early years
   programs by ensuring these programs are centred on the child
   and the family.
4. 
   There is perhaps no relationship that holds greater responsibility
   or reward than the relationships we develop with children.
   As educators, as family members, as policy makers, or as
   administrators, we all know that the stronger our partnerships
   and the deeper and more valuable our connections, the greater
   the benefit. It’s an investment that allows us all to grow.

Health and Safety, Ages 2 to 5 Years

Safety Measures Around the Home

You can help protect your child from injuries by taking general safety measures around your home. Think ahead about what potentially dangerous situations will attract your child. Supervise your child, but keep in mind that constant hovering over children can limit their experiences and confidence. Balancing supervision with safety precautions will help prevent injuries as well as allow children to explore.

The following are common incidents and injuries that can occur around the house, and some suggestions on how to prevent them.

Falls

Preventing falls isn’t always easy. Toddlers and young children often move quickly. Their excitement about their mobility and their lack of experience can make them unaware of dangers, such as stairs or hills. Children ages 4 to 5 years anticipate many dangers, but they may not have the physical skills to avoid injuries. Some ways to help prevent falls are to:

• Use sliding gates at both ends of stairways.
• Use safety straps in high chairs and changing tables.

Choking

Children ages 2 to 5 years can easily choke on everyday objects and food. Your child needs your supervision even though he or she may be able to eat independently.

• Prevent choking. Your child can choke on things smaller than 3.2 cm (1.25 in.) in diameter and 5.7 cm (2.25 in.) long. These include button batteries and coins. Keep items like these out of your child’s reach.
• Learn to recognize signs of choking. For example, a child who is choking can’t talk, cry, breathe, or cough.

Strangulation and suffocation

Many household items can strangle a young child. Make sure that loose cords, objects, and furniture don’t pose strangling risks.

• Keep cords for blinds and drapes out of reach. Attach cords to mounts that hold them taut, and wrap them around wall brackets. Cords with loops should be cut and equipped with safety tassels.
• Do not use accordion-style gates. Babies and young children can get their heads trapped in the gate and may strangle.
• Make sure that furniture doesn’t have cutout portions or other areas that can trap your child’s head.

Suffocation is another danger for young children. Teach your child about suffocation and the importance of a safe play area. Pay attention to possible suffocation dangers, such as:

• Trunks of cars. Keep rear fold-down seats closed so children aren’t able to climb into the trunk from inside the car. Also, always lock car doors and keep the keys out of sight and out of reach of your child.
• Refrigerators and freezers, even those that aren’t in use. If you are storing an old refrigerator or freezer, be sure to take off the door.
• Plastic sacks. Don’t let your child play with plastic sacks. Keep them out of reach. Children may put sacks over their head during play, which can lead to suffocation.

Poisoning

• Prevent poisoning from common household items. Identify any products that could harm your child when eaten or inhaled. Store these products out of your child’s reach. If you have a possible poisoning emergency, call 911 or your local provincial Poison Control Centre immediately. For more information, see the topic Poisoning.
• Prevent lead poisoning. Children may chew on contaminated paint flakes, painted objects, or toys. Homes built before 1976 may still have lead paint on walls and other surfaces. For more information about lead, see the topic Lead Poisoning.
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning (CO). Use a carbon monoxide detector, and have your furnace checked each year. High CO levels quickly affect young children because of their small size. For more information, see the topic Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
• Avoid second-hand smoke, mould, and other indoor air pollutants. They can affect health and safety. For more information, see Tips for Reducing Indoor Pollutants in Your Home.

Fire hazards and burns

• Prevent household fires by having and maintaining smoke detectors, planning and practicing escape routes, and teaching your child basic fire safety skills. Children ages 2 to 5 are often curious about fire. Warn your child about the dangers of fire, and explain why only grown-ups are allowed to use it.
• Prevent burns. Serious burns are most often caused by heat, electricity, or chemicals. Prevent burn injuries to your child by identifying dangers in your home and removing them or blocking your child’s access to them. For more information, see the topic Burns.
• Enjoy fireworks from a distance. Fireworks injure children each summer. Children can also get burns from using and being around firecrackers and sparklers.

Guns and other weapons

Gun and firearm safety measures should be established for all households and especially those where children live or visit. Keep all guns and firearms in a locked area, unloaded, and out of reach of children. Also, store knives (even kitchen knives), swords, and other weapons safely out of reach.

Pets

Teach children how to interact with pets. Teach them to never tease animals or bother them while they are eating. Explain that animals can sometimes hurt you. Also be sure to train your own pets and keep them healthy.

Drowning

Drowning is a leading cause of death in young children. Help prevent drowning by following these tips:

• Supervise all baths at all times. Always stay within arm’s reach of your child. Never leave your child alone in the tub—even with an older sibling.
• Deal with water hazards, and teach swimming safety. Teach your child the rules of safe swimming and how to swim. Empty all buckets and coolers when not in use. Keep toilet lids down, and consider securing them with safety latches.
• Keep pools and hot tubs safe. Don’t let your child swim alone. If you have your own pool or pond, keep it fenced. Teach your child that hot tubs aren’t places to play. Consider making them off-limits.
• Keep children away from irrigation canals. Don’t let your child play in or near irrigation canals.

In addition to these precautions, learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Knowing these skills can make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. For more information, see the topic Dealing With Emergencies.

Health and Safety, Ages 2 to 5 Years

Safety Measures Outside the Home

You can’t protect your child from every danger that he or she can possibly encounter outside the home. But you can equip your child with some basic safety rules and precautions. Let your child’s natural surroundings give you ideas for general training to help prepare your child for a variety of situations he or she may face.

To help avoid injuries and unsafe situations outside the home, establish and review basic rules before outings. Reinforce the rules often. And let other caregivers know about them.

Basic safety precautions

• Help your child be safe in and around motor vehicles. Teach your child basic rules about the dangers of streets, cars, and other vehicles.
• Help prevent child abduction. Teach children to be cautious of strangers, and teach them how to react when they feel they are threatened. Remember that most children who are abducted aren’t taken by strangers but rather by a parent, a relative, a family friend, or an acquaintance.
• Protect your child from too much sun or heat when outdoors. If your child will be outside from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., have your child stay in the shade or cover up with a hat and clothing and wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Put broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on any exposed skin, even when it’s cloudy. Watch for heat exhaustion. Don’t keep your child out in warm weather for long periods. For more information, see Sunburn and Heat-Related Illnesses.
• Help your child prevent insect stings and spider bites. Use insect repellents, and have your child wear closed shoes, socks, and clothes that fully cover his or her body when outdoors. For more information, see Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites.
• Keep your child safe on the playground. Make sure all play equipment is safe, in good repair, and appropriate for your child’s age. Closely supervise all young children while they are playing on any equipment.

Before your child visits an unfamiliar home, ask whether you need to be aware of any dangerous areas, weapons in the home, pets, or other safety issues. Also, it is always a good idea to see the household for yourself. Don’t be afraid to voice any concerns you have about safety. You are ultimately responsible for protecting your child.

Choosing child care

Before enrolling your child in daycare, evaluate the environment and talk with the care providers. Ask questions about their safety guidelines. Identify any hazards, and ask how they are handled. For more information, see the topic Choosing Child Care.

Going along for the ride: Exercising caution

Many parents and caregivers want to share their favourite activities with their young children. This can help build common interests and appreciation for exercise and other pursuits. Be sure, though, to recognize the safety issues related to these activities. Remember that your child’s comfort and safety are most important.

• For every ride in a car, secure your child into a properly installed car seat or booster seat that meets all current safety standards. Use a car seat or booster seat that is made for their weight and height. For questions about car seats and booster seats, call Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0371 or visit the Government of Canada Child Safety webpage at http://www.canada.ca/en/services/transport/road/child-car-seat-safety.html.
• Never leave your child alone in a car. Heat inside the car and other factors could cause long-lasting injury—or death—in a matter of minutes. Keeping the car windows down won’t protect your child in hot or warm weather. Other injuries could also occur from a child getting stuck in the trunk or setting the car in motion.
• Keep your child safe in strollers and carts. Use the safety straps, and follow the printed instructions. It’s safest not to put children in shopping carts at all.
• Use extra caution when riding bikes and tricycles. Make sure that you and your child always wear helmets and practice safe riding habits, such as avoiding busy streets. Bike only during daylight hours.
• If your child rides a scooter, watch him or her at all times. Don’t let your child ride near traffic. And have your child wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Wait until your child is a little older before you teach skateboard safety. It’s not safe for children younger than 5 to use skateboards.
• Monitor air pollution before outdoor activities. Children’s lungs are especially sensitive to pollution. You can check your newspaper or local weather station for details about air pollution levels.

Scriptures for Stress Management

Financial Stress?

Christian stress Piggy Bank with hammerGod won’t forsake you:
“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:25).
God’s kids don’t live in lack:
“Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10 NLT).

Stressed Over Trying to Succeed?

You’re destined for success:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT.) AND
“The LORD your God will then make you successful in everything you do” (Deuteronomy 30:9a NLT).
God will open doors for you:

“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.” (Revelations 3:8)

Too Many Responsibilities?

Christian Stress Woman with planner and calendarGod will give you the strength to endure:
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).
You can accomplish more than you think!
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NIV).

The God living in you is greater than your tasks!
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Stressed Out Over Your Children?

God promises they will always return to Him:
“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (Proverbs 22:6 NLT).

General Christian Stress Relief

Don’t give up!
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9 NLT).
God will be your strength and courage!
“The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army” (Habakkuk 3:19a).

God will get you though stressful times:

“He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!” (Habakkuk 3:19b).