Members from Praise Academy Of Dance were "raising it up to Jesus".

The way we shape our children is the way they will shape our society in the future.

This was said by Minister of Family, Youth Affairs, Sports and the Environment Esther Byer-Suckoo as she delivered the feature address at yesterday's National Ecumenical Church Service for children.

The event started a series of activities for Child Month, under the theme Children Live What They Learn: Families Play Your Part.

Speaking to hundreds of schoolchildren, teachers and parents at the Christ Church Parish Church, Suckoo told those gathered that the role of the family must be reinforced if our society was to flourish.

Addressing the parents, the minister said it was their responsibility to raise children in a manner that facilitated the transmission of positive values and ethics.

"We need to ask ourselves the question – how do we shape our children positively and how can we as parents play our part?"

Suckoo said one important thing for children to have was a positive attitude.

"We as adults must teach our children never to say I can't. We must help children to realise that they may not always be able to do everything themselves, but with help most tasks can be accomplished," she added.

Suckoo also told the audience that showing love and making young ones feel loved also impacted positively on their upbringing.

Focusing on the children, she told them to use their youth wisely, pursuing things that would bring glory to them and their families instead of those that would bring shame.

"When situations present themselves that you know are negative, stop and think about the things that you are doing or about to do. Honesty, trustworthiness, kindness, cooperation and self respect are traits that you need to develop," she said.

The minister also told children to seek to know God and develop a relationship with Him.

"Open your hearts to Him and let His light shine on you all," she noted.(CT)