As parents and significant adults in children’s lives, we are often the arms, legs and mouthpieces of Jesus to our children; we are constantly modeling the love of God to them. My wife and I have come up with a "Daily To-Do List" with our children. We don't follow it legalistically; rather, it is a set of guidelines we use to keep our children's spirits open with a sense of security and love.
1. Say "I Love You." Every day our children need to be reminded of our love. The positive reinforcement and verbal reminder of unconditional love will give children the ability to go on even during tough times, and it will help them to say "no" to temptations.
2. Show physical affection. Meaningful touches, hugs, kisses and even "high fives" bolster a young person's self-image. A real sense of security, self-worth and meaningfulness comes from touching.
3. Listen. When children know that we are really listening, they will sense how significant to us they really are.
4. Use eye contact. As parents, our lives sometimes become so busy that we can forget how body language and eye contact can let our children know that we care.
5. Pray daily. A daily time of prayer with our children helps them grasp how important God is in our lives. We want prayertime to be a warm, wonderful, loving part of our children's lives.
(Jim Burns).
Prayer
Lord, thank you for giving us the responsibility to raise and influence children. While they are still young, help us to see new ways to demonstrate Your love to them, so that they would be drawn to You. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
1. Say "I Love You." Every day our children need to be reminded of our love. The positive reinforcement and verbal reminder of unconditional love will give children the ability to go on even during tough times, and it will help them to say "no" to temptations.
2. Show physical affection. Meaningful touches, hugs, kisses and even "high fives" bolster a young person's self-image. A real sense of security, self-worth and meaningfulness comes from touching.
3. Listen. When children know that we are really listening, they will sense how significant to us they really are.
4. Use eye contact. As parents, our lives sometimes become so busy that we can forget how body language and eye contact can let our children know that we care.
5. Pray daily. A daily time of prayer with our children helps them grasp how important God is in our lives. We want prayertime to be a warm, wonderful, loving part of our children's lives.
(Jim Burns).
Prayer
Lord, thank you for giving us the responsibility to raise and influence children. While they are still young, help us to see new ways to demonstrate Your love to them, so that they would be drawn to You. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
