What Should We Tell the Kids?

If you’ve read more than a few of my Publisher’s Pen columns, you know this head-standing dad and granddad is very much a kid at heart. So when I look at a new issue and consider, “What should we tell the kids?” be assured that I’m also asking, “What do we need adults to understand really well?”

Various articles vie for special attention as they spark a memory from my own life. Though this issue is packed with content that kids (and adults) need to know, I’m going to point to one article in particular.

illustration by Viktor Miller-Gausa

Dale Mason
Publisher

Erik and Patty Lutz are friends of mine. Like many in America right now, they are educating their young children at home. But in their case, homeschooling is the norm and getting up with the sun is a privilege. Erik, a web developer by trade, goes to great lengths to ensure that he tells his family the truths of Scripture at a level that each can understand.

Years ago, Erik and Patty decided to become “homesteaders.” Erik wrote about his homesteading journey in “Welcome to Harmony Hillside,” beginning on page 68. It’s a narrative that reveals practical ideas and challenges we all should consider as we seek to live out God’s command to exercise dominion as caretakers of his creation—be it off-the-grid or in the suburbs or an inner-city skyscraper. So as you make time to allow this issue to touch your heart, expect that God will use the interrelated articles about cowbirds, social justice, plastic trash, disappearing species, and yes, homesteading to reveal more about himself. For me, the gospel of Jesus—from his acts in creating, to his love by living among us, to his future return when he’ll rescue all who repent and receive him as Savior—has become even more vibrant as I’ve read this issue.

Don’t Miss This

Speaking of what to tell the kids, Answers magazine now includes weekly devotionals for studying and talking about God’s Word (see page 40). This guide is perfect for helping your family know what Scripture says on a variety of crucial topics.

Finally, check out the new 16-page version of Kids Answers. It’s now big enough to be a magazine all its own, and we still include it free with every Answers subscription. Young readers will love the special adventure about two kids whose geologist dad points out evidence for creation.

Be sure to tell the kids Jesus loves them, he created us in his image, and he wants us to praise and live for him in the midst of a confused generation. Tell them he’s coming back—and live like you believe it!