"Borrowed" the following from a post by Dr. David Jeremiah. Definately something to think about as we go through the "child-rearing" years and try to raise our children to be Christ like.
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
Colossians 3:21
The word "affirmation" is related to the word "firm." In affirming others,
we firm up their morale and confidence, and we encourage them in their
decisions and direction.
Our children need that, for their self-esteem depends on the feedback they
receive from us. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to do that. We can
strengthen our children by using phrases like: Good job! or Way to go!
We can affirm by appropriate touch--a pat on the back or, tussle of the
hair can convey lots of love.
We can affirm with eye contact too. Try smiling at your child with your
eyes. We often convey discipline through our eyes; but we can also
communicate warmth and affirmation with our eyes.
We also affirm children by spending time with them and praying for them.
Children who are praised are like young plants lifting their leaves to the
sun. They are drawn to its warmth. We are all a bit like children--we need
to feel accepted and loved--even as Christ Himself unconditionally loved and
received us by His grace. Affirm someone today.
So very thankful for these gentle God-sent reminders to keep me on the right path.
Praise your children. Do not forever find fault with them. .... Whenever you
can, praise them.
Anonymous, from a nineteenth-century magazine
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