Key Verse: Verse 11 – “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."
Key Words: edify one another
We are told in I Thessalonians 5:11b, “Edify one another.” I realize this admonition is to the church, but it is also true that, as parents, we do need to edify and encourage our children. A recent survey by James Kouzes and Barry Posner showed that encouragement causes 98% of the people to perform at a higher level. The same is true for your spirited child; so allow me to suggest the following for those of you who parent that high-maintenance child.
Keep a positive-negative list of your comments over a 24-hour period. You may be surprised to find out how negative you really are.
- Ask God to help you see the positive side of your child.
- Help your child develop his abilities and interests.
- Make complimenting your child a habit.
The following are some mistakes to avoid.
Calling your child “good” and “bad” – talk about behavior instead. Most parents never get beyond telling the child how bad they are. Now, how do they progress from there without some input on how to do better?
Don’t call your child names like Shorty, Klutz, Chubby, etc.
Don’t compare siblings.
Do not withhold affection. Hugs and kisses are a good thing.
Give them responsibility then follow-up to see that the job is done right.
Think of your spirited child as a puzzle that is only partially complete. Will you choose to see a beautiful picture developing or will you only focus on missing pieces? The choice is yours.
Now, go out there and raise your spirited child for God’s glory.
What to do:
✞ Apply the above-mentioned principles.
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