Developing a positive and godly atmosphere with your children

Deuteronomy 6:7 (ESV): “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Develop a positive and godly atmosphere with your children. Being constructive with your children and looking out for the positive things in them or that they do helps in bringing up well balanced children. Rather than always focusing on their negatives. Creating a positive atmosphere with your children is not only beneficial for their well-being but also enhances your parenting experience. Let’s explore why positivity matters and how you can foster it:

1. The Power of Positivity:
   • Emotional Resilience: When children grow up in a positive and godly environment, they develop emotional resilience. They learn to handle challenges, setbacks, and disappointments with grace and the word of God as their guide.
   • Self-Esteem: Positive reinforcement boosts self-esteem. Children who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to believe in their abilities and worth.
   • Healthy Relationships: A positive family atmosphere where God’s word is exalted above anything else encourages healthy interactions. Children learn effective communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
2. Focus on Strengths:
   • Instead of dwelling on their weaknesses, celebrate your children’s strengths. Acknowledge their achievements, talents, and efforts.
   • Praise their hard work, creativity, kindness, and perseverance. Highlight their positive qualities.
3. Catch Them Being Good:
   • Notice and appreciate small acts of kindness, helpfulness, or responsibility. Reinforce positive behaviour by acknowledging it.
   • For example, if your child shares a toy with a sibling, say, “I love how you’re so kind and considerate.”
4. Positive Language:
   • Use positive language when correcting behaviour. Instead of saying, “Don’t run,” say, “Let’s walk indoors.”
   • Never use abusive and foul languages on your children as believing parents: Ephesians 4:29 (NLT): “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” Remember, your words as parents have power, and using language that builds up your children rather than tears down is essential. Let’s strive to communicate with kindness and grace with our children, no matter how angry we are with them.
   • Frame instructions in a positive way. For instance, “Please use your indoor voice” rather than “Stop shouting.”
5. Create Practices of Positivity:
   • Establish family practices that promote positivity. These could include:
     • Gratitude Time: Share something you’re grateful for during family meals. Model showing appreciation to God in their presence.
     • Compliment Jar: Write compliments for each other and read them aloud.
     • High-Five Moments: Celebrate achievements, big or small, with high-fives or fist bumps.
6. Model Positivity:
   • Children learn by observing. Be a positive role model:
     • Optimism: Express hope and optimism even during challenging times. Let them see you put your trust in God in difficult times, this is one way to teach them how to have faith in God no matter the trials that come their way.
     • Kindness: Show kindness to others, including your spouse, friends, and strangers.
     • Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself, and your children will learn self-compassion too.
7. Encourage Positive Self-Talk:
   • Teach your children to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. For example:
     • Instead of “I can’t do this,” encourage “I’ll give it my best shot.”
     • Replace “I’m bad at math” with “I’m improving my math skills.”
8. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results:
   • Praise effort, persistence, and growth. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, acknowledge the hard work.
   • Say, “I’m proud of how much effort you put into your project” rather than just focusing on the final grade.

As parents you can establish a positive atmosphere in your home by making the Holy-Spirit the God of your home. A positive family atmosphere that is completely inspired by the leading of the Holy-Spirit nurtures happy, confident, and resilient children. Celebrate their God-given uniqueness, and let love and encouragement through Christ Jesus and His word be the foundation of your parenting journey.

God bless you in Jesus Name. Amen

Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name

Feast of Light Word Ministry

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