Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
Week 9: Chapter 8 — Types of Communication
Read Chapter 8 of Shepherding a Child's Heart. Primary Scripture: Proverbs 25:11; Colossians 3:16.
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Not every conversation is the same — Tripp identifies several distinct types of communication that parents need to learn to use at the right time and in the right way. This chapter is a practical toolkit for richer family communication.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Tripp identifies several types of communication in this chapter — including instruction, correction, encouragement, entreaty, warning, and prayer. Which of these do you use most naturally? Which do you rarely use, and why?
2.He makes the point that many parents are heavy on correction and instruction but light on encouragement and entreaty. What is the effect on a child who rarely hears encouragement from a parent? What is the effect on their image of God?
3.Tripp describes 'entreaty' as an earnest, heartfelt appeal — not commanding or threatening but pleading with a child for the sake of their soul. Have you ever used this kind of communication with your child? What would it sound like?
a.What situations call for entreaty rather than command?
b.What does it communicate to a child when a parent is willing to appeal to them rather than simply demand?
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