GRADE 9 CRE CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY – RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD Notes
CRE Notes — Christian Living Today
Subtopic: Responsible Parenthood (for 14-year-olds — Kenyan context)
Responsible parenthood means planning, caring and raising children in a way that protects their rights, health and future. It includes preparing for family life, providing love, food, education, discipline and spiritual guidance.
- Genesis 1:28 — God's command to grow the family and care for life.
- Psalm 127:3 — Children are a gift from the Lord.
- Proverbs 22:6 — Train a child in the right way.
- Ephesians 6:1–4 — Duties of children and parents.
- Healthy families build strong communities and churches.
- Responsible parenting reduces problems like child neglect, school drop-out and teenage pregnancy.
- Kenya’s laws and church teachings protect children's rights and demand care for the weak.
- Provide for basic needs: food, shelter, clothing and health care.
- Give education and support school attendance.
- Teach morals and Christian faith — pray, read the Bible and go to church together.
- Protect children from harm, abuse and neglect.
- Plan the family responsibly — discuss finances, health and the timing of children.
- Model love, respect and forgiveness in the home.
- Obey and respect parents (Ephesians 6:1–3).
- Work hard in school and follow household rules.
- Help with chores and care for younger siblings when asked.
- Talk about problems with parents, teachers or church leaders.
- Family planning helps parents decide when to have children so the family can care for them well. In Kenya, health centres and clinics provide information and services.
- Churches generally teach that sex is for marriage. For Christians, planning should be guided by prayer, responsibility and respect for life.
- If you are worried about sex, pregnancy or relationships, speak to a trusted adult, a health worker or a church youth leader.
- Financial problems and unemployment
- Teenage pregnancy and early marriage
- Poor communication between parents and children
- Substance abuse and peer pressure
- Youth groups for teaching values and life skills
- Counselling services through church or health centres
- Parenting classes and support groups
- Child protection laws and community watch to prevent abuse
Love, respect, patience, faithfulness, self-control and service. Parents show God’s love by caring for and teaching their children; children show respect by listening and obeying.
- Talk openly with your parents or a trusted adult about your future and relationships.
- Delay sexual activity — choose to focus on education and skills first.
- Join church youth groups for guidance and positive friendships.
- Learn about health services in your area — the local clinic can give information confidentially.
- If a friend faces pregnancy, encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult or clinic.
- Role-play: A parent and a teen discussing school, future plans and relationships.
- Make a family plan poster: list needs, costs (food, school), and ways to save.
- Group discussion: How can the church help reduce teenage pregnancy in our community?
"Train a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." — Proverbs 22:6
- Responsible parenthood includes planning when to have children. (True)
- Only mothers are responsible for child discipline. (False)
- Churches can support families through youth groups and counselling. (True)
- Children should never talk to parents about difficult issues. (False)
If you or someone you know needs help (pregnancy, abuse or counselling), contact a trusted teacher, church youth leader or visit your nearest health centre. In Kenya, many clinics offer youth-friendly services.