As a parent, sometimes you might get fatigued when it comes to discipline. Sometimes (a lot of the time) it's easier to just give in. The Bible doesn't tell us how to react when Mary cuts her hair or when Billy breaks the lamp after being told to not kick the ball in the house, but it does give us words of encouragement and strength.
We can also strengthen our children with our words of encouragement. How often do you compliment your children? For my son, since laying still on the changing table is a big accomplishment, I feel like I'm constantly complimenting him, but as kids get older and start misbehaving, I think we fall into the habit of doing more ridiculing than praising. iMom has great ideas on how to compliment our children more. These are also things they NEED to hear. My favorite: “Every time I see you, I’m thankful that I’m your Mom.” There is nothing your son or daughter can do to gain or lose their status as your child. In a society where they are told both verbally and non-verbally that they aren't attractive, smart or cool enough, it's a good reassurance that they are special just because they ARE.
Unfortunately, sometimes it is easy to criticize our children. When they don't do their chores, when they talk back, when they fight with their siblings-- how can we not, as their parent, point out the error of their ways? But, you are so right- it is important to compliment them and build them up, not tear them down.
ReplyDeleteI do criticize at times but I also tell my children regularly, "I am so glad God sent you to me."