If something could make a positive difference in YOUR life and your CHILD’s, would you do it?
Most of us would answer, “YES! What is it?”
First, we need to be reminded that what comes out of our kid’s mouths and what they do, comes out of what’s in their heads and hearts.
SAME FOR US.
If we don’t want our kids to hit, be rude, or lie, then they need to have God’s word WITHIN THEM to redirect their natural tendencies.
SAME FOR US.
Our yelling, “Stop hitting! Share! Be nice!” can bounce off a child. Of course, we must teach them to not hit, to share, and be nice. But, if we want to give our kids what they need to be able to follow through, then put the right behavior in their heads.
- Sit down beside them.
- Tell them. “Carley, come sit down by mommy. I want to show you something.”
- Open your Bible to Ephesians 4:32 on their lap.
- “Look here. This is our Heavenly Father’s words to us. He wrote us this letter. He’s the smartest person in the world. He wants what’s best for us. Right here (while pointing to the verse) our Heavenly Father tells us, “Be kind to one another.” Let’s color (highlight) this verse so we can remember to be kind.
- Apply the verse. “Let’s play a game. I’m going to say some words and you tell me if it is kind or not kind. Hitting. (then let child respond) Calling someone a name. Running away when I call you.
- Put the verse in their head. Help them memorize it.
- Pray, “Heavenly Father, please help Carley be kind today.”
- Lovingly tell your child that you’ll help them remember to be kind.
- Make it a point during the day to catch them when they’re being kind. Affirm them, “You’re playing so sweetly. You’re so kind.” After lunch, “You brought your cup to the sink. You’re so kind.” After playing outside, “You came right when I called you. That was so kind of you.”
- At bedtime, thank God. “Heavenly Father, You tell us to be kind. Thank you that Carley was kind today. She played sweetly. She helped me by taking her cup to the sink. She came the first time I called her. We love being kind. And we love You. Amen.”
REPEAT the next day. “I wonder what our Heavenly Father can teach us today? This is so fun! Do you remember what He taught us yesterday? After discussing “Be kind,” continue with the next part of the verse, and affirming your child being kind and forgiving.
JESUS SAYS, For from WITHIN, OUT OF THE HEART of men, proceed evil thoughts, ….deeds of coveting…as well as deceit, …foolishness. Mark 7:20-23.
SAME FOR US.
SAME FOR OUR CHILDREN.
If we want to see changed behavior in our kids and in us, then we need to have changed minds and hearts. Actions and words proceed from the heart.
OPEN THE MIND. POUR TRUTH IN.
Heavenly Father, thank You that Your Word is TRUTH. We can get it into our heads and into our children’s head. Help us be faithful to help our kids memorize Scripture. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
What can you do to have changed behavior, hearts and minds in Jesus?
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