It Goes Without Saying

It is a common phrase. It is often used when one means, “Well, of course, I shouldn’t have to make that point, should I?” Then they add the phrase, “It goes without saying!”

I wonder, though, if too many parents have that same attitude when teaching and training their children. Do you? Are there things that you are assuming your children know, but leaving those things unsaid? Here are 3 areas where words should not go without saying.

1. Etiquette. Some parents leave any words regarding manners unsaid. Maybe they think their kids will just grow into it. Maybe they think manners are not important in the grand scheme of things. Personally, I think that manners are becoming rarer, seemingly by the day. It could be that in our post-modern world anything that is a standard is shunned. I think that there ought to be a standard in our conduct. Of course, the Bible is the ultimate standard in our conduct, but the idea of “manners” really originates from the idea that there should be a common standard of behavior. Children need to be taught to say “thank you” and “please.” Children need to be taught to answer with “yes ma’am” or “no ma’am” or “yes sir” or “no sir”. They need to be taught to answer politely when spoken to. Why do children not know this in our day and time? They don’t know this because their parents are leaving it unsaid. The truth is, parents have to say it every single day for many years before it starts to stick. Don’t give up.

2. Biblical Doctrine. Some parents leave words about doctrine unsaid. It seems like some parents think that just exposing their children to doctrine a few times a week is enough. It is surely necessary to expose them, but we can do so much more. Parents ought to make sure their kids are learning the doctrine of the Bible. There are so many ways to do this. Parents should be implementing family devotionals. Parents should be doing their best to make sure their kids know basic Bible facts [resources like these or these can help.] Parents ought to be teaching their kids about worship and how to worship. Don’t leave words about doctrinal and spiritual things unsaid. 

3. Family Legacy. Some parents leave too many words about family unsaid. Parents need to be building a strong family unit by developing traditions. Parents need to be making sure their children know how important they are to the family unit. Parents need to be teaching their children about their family heritage. We will leave a great family legacy, unless we leave words about our family unsaid.

As parents, we need to be certain that we are actually speaking the words to our children that we want them to hear and know. Say the words, be clear, and teach and train your children.

I mean, that goes without saying, right?

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AUTHOR: Leah Faughn