GRADE 8 CRE CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY – FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS Notes
CRE: Christian Living Today
Subtopic: Family Relationships (for age 13 — Kenya)
Learning aims
- Understand what a family is in Kenyan and Christian life.
- Know Christian values that guide family relationships.
- Learn practical ways to show respect, love and solve conflicts at home.
1. What is a family?
Family is a group of people joined by birth, marriage, adoption or close care. In Kenya many families are nuclear (parents + children) or extended (including grandparents, uncles, aunties). Families give love, protection and teach values.
2. Types of families you might know
- Nuclear family: mother, father, children.
- Extended family: includes grandparents, cousins, aunties, uncles.
- Single-parent family: one parent cares for the children.
- Foster or guardian family: someone who cares for children who are not their birth parents.
3. Biblical teaching (short & clear)
Key verses:
- Ephesians 6:1–4 — Children obey and honour parents; parents bring up children in the Lord.
- Colossians 3:20–21 — Children obey parents; parents should not make children angry.
- 1 Timothy 5:8 — Provide for your relatives, especially your family.
Memory verse: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." — Ephesians 6:1
4. Roles in the family (simple)
Parents/Guardians
Care for, teach, discipline, provide, and pray for the children.
Care for, teach, discipline, provide, and pray for the children.
Children
Respect, help at home, obey, learn, and pray for the family.
Respect, help at home, obey, learn, and pray for the family.
Grandparents & relatives
Share wisdom, culture and help care for younger ones.
Share wisdom, culture and help care for younger ones.
5. Christian values to practice at home
- Love — Show care and kindness every day (1 John 4:7–8).
- Respect — Honour elders and parents (Kenyan culture values this).
- Obedience — Follow reasonable instructions from parents for your safety and growth.
- Forgiveness — Say sorry and forgive quickly when there is a fight.
- Responsibility — Do chores, help siblings, and take care of schoolwork.
6. Simple rules for good family life (easy to remember)
The 4 P’s
- Prayer together — start or end the day with a short prayer.
- Polite talk — use kind words, no shouting.
- Participate — help with chores, share at mealtimes.
- Permit talking — listen when someone speaks; everyone has a chance.
7. Solving conflicts — a short guide
- Stop and calm down. Take a deep breath.
- Listen to the other person without interrupting.
- Say how you feel using "I" words: "I feel sad when..."
- Try to find a fair solution together.
- Forgive and pray together if wrong was done.
- If it is serious, speak to a trusted adult (teacher, pastor, elder).
8. Practical activities (for class or at home)
- Draw your family tree — include names and one thing you admire about each person.
- Role-play a family conflict and use the Steps to Solve Conflicts.
- Family Devotion Night — each person shares a short prayer or promise.
- Chore Chart — make a weekly chart and take turns with tasks.
9. Questions for reflection or class discussion
- What are three ways you show respect at home?
- How does your church help families in your community?
- When should you tell a trusted adult about a problem at home?
- How can children help make family life happier?
10. Short prayer to end
Lord, bless our families with love, wisdom and peace. Help us to obey, forgive and care for one another. Amen.
Visual: Simple family tree
Grandparents 👵👴
Parent A 👩
Parent B 👨
You 👧/👦
Sibling(s) 👭👬
Summary: Family is God's gift for care and growth. As Christians we are called to love, respect and help each other. Practice obedience, responsibility and forgiveness at home. When problems are too big, ask for help from a trusted adult.
Note for teachers: use local Kenyan examples (neighbourhood, church groups, "harambee" spirit) when leading discussions. Keep activities interactive and safe.