T.M. Kayode

As I sat on the couch one not-so-quiet afternoon, watching my daughter Dabbie doodle away on a piece of scrap paper, a thought crossed my mind: Could I teach her the art of storytelling? Not just the words, but also encourage her to use illustrations that bring those stories to life. Dabbie has a natural inclination for drawing; her hands seem always to find something to write with—be it a pencil, permanent marker, dry erase pen, or whatever else she can get her hands on. Every surface in the house, from notebooks to the kitchen table, has become her canvas. I began to wonder, how could I channel this passion into something more? Something lasting?

This introspection led me to a broader question: What skills or knowledge can we, as parents, pass on to our children? It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but when we pause to reflect, we realize that we have so much to offer our children beyond the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. We have life experiences, talents, and values that can shape their futures in profound ways.

The Power of Parental Influence

Take the story of the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena. Their father, Richard Williams, saw potential in his daughters and, without any formal training in tennis, committed to coaching them himself. He crafted their early practice routines and instilled in them a relentless work ethic. His belief in their abilities, paired with his hands-on guidance, turned his daughters into some of the most successful athletes in the history of tennis.

Then there’s Tiger Woods, whose father, Earl Woods, introduced him to golf before he could even walk properly. Earl not only taught Tiger the mechanics of the game but also shared his deep love and respect for it. The bond they shared through golf became the foundation for Tiger’s legendary career.

And let’s not forget one of my favorite examples: the Left Behind book series, written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. The storytelling in those books is so compelling, so richly woven, that it’s no wonder they became worldwide bestsellers. The series captivated millions with its powerful narrative and message. Growing up in the creative writing atmosphere of his father, Jerry Jenkins, Dallas Jenkins went on to become a talented movie director and writer. Today, he is one of the creators and the director of The Chosen, a show that is revolutionizing Christian entertainment and media. The Chosen is a powerful portrayal of the life of Jesus and his disciples, and it’s reaching audiences in ways that books alone never could.

But the story doesn’t end there. Dallas’s son, Sam Jenkins, has followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. A graduate of the arts, Sam is now working alongside his dad on The Chosen. Do you see how the knowledge and passion are passed down across generations? It’s fascinating how the legacy of storytelling evolves with each generation. Jerry Jenkins reached millions through his Christian-based books, and now Dallas is reaching billions through Christian-based media. The essence of what was passed on remains, but the form and impact have grown exponentially.

These stories are powerful reminders that we, too, can pass on our passions and skills to our children, even if we’re not experts. Our involvement, encouragement, and the values we impart are what truly matter.

Reflecting on Your Own Skills

So, what do you know so well that you could teach your children? It doesn’t have to be something grand. It could be as simple as gardening, cooking, or playing a musical instrument. Perhaps you have a knack for problem-solving or a deep love for literature. Whatever it is, consider how you can share this knowledge with your children.

For me, the idea of teaching Dabbie to write stories and illustrate them is not just about nurturing her creativity. It’s about passing on a piece of myself, a love for storytelling that has always been a part of me. It’s about guiding her to express herself, to find her voice, and to share her imagination with the world.

The Importance of Passing Along Values—And Our Faith

In the midst of teaching skills, we must not forget to pass along our values—and most importantly, our faith. The lessons learned from the Williams family, the Woods family, and the Jenkins family weren’t just about sports or storytelling; they were about discipline, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. These are the values that shaped their lives and helped them overcome obstacles.

Our faith is the cornerstone of everything we do, and it’s something we can and should share with our children. Whether through daily prayers, reading scripture together, or simply living out our beliefs in everyday life, passing on our faith is the most valuable gifts we can give them.

What other values do you hold dear that you want your children to inherit? Is it the importance of honesty, the value of hard work, or perhaps the power of kindness? These are the legacies that will stay with them long after they’ve forgotten the details of a particular lesson or skill.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the question isn’t just what we can teach our children, but how we can equip them with the tools to thrive in life. As parents, we have the unique opportunity to shape their futures, not just by providing for them, but by teaching them the things that matter most to us. Whether it’s a skill, a passion, our faith, or a value, what you pass on to your children has the potential to influence generations to come.

So, take a moment to reflect: What do you know so well that you can teach your children? And in doing so, what legacy will you leave behind?