Start conversations (4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESS. Show the person how to search jw.org for helpful information for parents (lmd lesson 1 point 4).
Setting: The publisher is on public transportation and, upon seeing a woman visibly distressed after a call, shows empathy and initiates a conversation. The woman shares a difficulty with her son, and the publisher shows her a practical article on JW.ORG with helpful biblical principles. She shows her how to access and navigate the site to find parenting advice.
Assistant: (Talking on her cell phone) Thanks for letting me know. I'll talk to him as soon as I get home. (Hangs up and discreetly wipes a tear.)
Publisher: Excuse me, are you feeling okay? Would you like me to get you some water?
Assistant: Oh, thanks. I'm fine, just a little sad. Problems with my son… just mom stuff.
Publisher: I'm sorry to hear that. I hope it's nothing serious.
Assistant: Well, I just got a call from the school. They said his performance has dropped significantly. I wanted to run away. When I get home, I'm going to scold him and punish him... He's so lazy sometimes.
Publisher: I understand how you feel. I went through a similar situation with one of my children a while back.
Assistant: And what did you do? Did you punish him too?
Publisher: Honestly, I was going to do it, but before I did, I remembered some tips I'd read in an article. I put them into practice, and it turned out much better than I expected.
Assistant: And where did you read that?
Publisher: Here it is, let me show it to you. It's called How to Help Your Child Improve Their Grades. Look, the first tip is based on this Bible text, James 1:19, which says: "Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger."
And the advice based on this text says: Control your feelings. If you're angry, it's not the best time to talk to your child about grades. A father named Bret says: "My wife and I have achieved better results when we are calm and can be more understanding with our children."
Assistant: How true that is. Out of anger, people sometimes say things they don't mean, and they just end up fighting with them.
Publisher: And that pushes us further away instead of helping them. If you'd like, read the following advice for yourself.
Assistant: (Read aloud) Identify the problem. The most common causes of poor grades are bullying, changing schools, test anxiety, family problems, lack of sleep, a bad schedule, and lack of concentration. Don't assume your child is just lazy.
Publisher: What do you think?
Assistant: Well, my son's paternal grandmother died a month ago; they were very close. Since then, I've noticed he's subdued. That could be the problem. I never thought it could be affecting him so much.
Publisher: The truth is, these things affect them more than we imagine. I'm glad you found the article helpful.
Assistant: Yes, it really helped me see things differently. Where did you get it? I'd love to read it at home.
Publisher: It's on the official website of Jehovah's Witnesses: jw.org. There are many practical articles for parents, married couples, young people, and more.
Assistant: (Takes out his cell phone) Can you tell me how I can find it? I've already opened the browser.
Publisher: Perfect. Type in “jw.org.” That’s the home page. Now go to the section that says Marriage and Family. Scroll down a bit and you’ll see a section that says Parenting.
Assistant: (Explores his cell phone) Look, here's the article we just read. And there's another one that says Teach Your Children to Be Humble. I'm going to read that one at home, too.
Publisher: I'm glad you liked it. If you'd like, we can exchange phone numbers in case you have any questions later or want to continue discussing these topics.
Assistant: Yes, of course. I'd love to talk more.
Publisher: With pleasure. I'm glad I met you today.
Assistant: Likewise. I'm getting off at the next stop. See you soon!
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