I know parents that will go to any measure necessary to keep their kids healthy physically…doctors, medicine, sleep, eating right and so on. Where so many parents miss it is when they don’t focus on emotional health for their children. Jesus is passionate about family: Heb. 2:10-11 “Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.” Family is important so let’s look at how we can create health:
1) Transparency –
Be a parent that shares openly and honestly with each other. Let your child share honestly as well.
Transparency in your love for your spouse creates “real” health for their future.
2) Stability –
Don’t shake up the schedule of your child too often.
Pick ups, drop offs, meal times, bed times, and all scheduling needs consistency.
Children with stable schedules are ahead of kids without it.
Don’t let your kids run your calendar!! Allowing them to do everything is not healthy.
3) Discipline –
Discipline should be often and consistent. Your child is desperate for parameters.
Lack of discipline equals an unsuccessful child socially.
Prov. 29:17 “Discipline your son, and he will give you peace. He will bring delight to your soul.”
4) Confidence –
Instill excellence, character and leadership in your child. Give them a dream..believe in them. Encouragement and praise will pay huge dividends in your childs life.
5) Communication –
Talk often and clearly with your kids. Don’t ask yes and no questions…ask questions with depth and purpose.
Communicate responsibility and a grateful attitude.
There are so many other items to create emotional health and we will be discussing them May 8-9 at a parent conference called “Transparency”. More info coming this week about this conference.
What else should we add to this…comment and let me know what you think.
(I am behind the storm trooper mask in case someone thought it might be someone else.)
Jessica says,
I am so excited about the upcoming conference! One thing I think is important in addition to the ones mentioned above is responsibilities. I believe it is important for kids to be responsible for certain things so they have a feeling of importance and begin to learn independence. Children like to help out around the house if they are praised for their efforts, plus it takes some of the heat off of mom! =)
on 02 March 2009 / 8:51 AM
Deanna says,
I think this will be an amazing way to really work, reinforcing, reminding & teaching. We should be transparent in all areas in our life, and our children NEED to see that we as parents are human, we make mistakes! That is one really important aspect we discussed in CG last night, that churches would have a “rebirth” as such, if people would not judge and be transparent in their lives. I truely LOVE the FREEDOM that BNC has brought to my life in being Transparent. I thank Jesus for that, but Thank you, Shannon, for preaching it!!!!
I Praise God for your life & your family!
on 02 March 2009 / 11:15 AM
Brian Ahern says,
I think your topics are right on track Shannon. The decision that Tina and I made about 15 years ago based on a book by Mary Pipher, is for parents to take control of their family and to not let the culture take control of your family. There are great things about our culture and there are sinful things – as parents, we have a responsibility to pick/choose those “things” that impact our children and families positively and to not get involved in the other things. So many people get pulled into doing things because everyone else is doing it… It was a life-changing decision that we continue to live by today. Keep up the great work at BNC!
on 02 March 2009 / 2:09 PM