Donna and I have found four free tools that help us invest in our children so they can become the adults God wants them to be.
1. Environment.
Donna and I want to create such an environment in our home that our kids never doubt that they are loved. We want them to feel our acceptance, encouragement, and support. We create that environment by watching our words and tone. We spend time together having fun. We laugh. We cry. We have meaningful conversations.
2. Education.
We use the teachable moments of life to have conversations with our kids about what is happening in their lives. We discuss current events. We discuss moral issues. We want to teach them how to think about important issues. Donna and I want to help our children integrate their Christian faith into their lives.
3. Encouragement.
Life often involves struggles and pain. As parents, we want to encourage our kids along the way. We encourage them to do their best. We encourage them to persevere when times are tough. We encourage them to pursue their dreams. We encourage them to believe in themselves. We encourage them to trust in God.
4. Example.
The greatest tool in our tool belt is our example. Donna and I discovered that our kids learn far more from what we show them than from what we say. Far more is caught than taught. We need to model for our kids the type of adult we want them to become. We must practice what we preach.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
What are some ways you can use these tools in your home today? I would love to hear from you.
