I WANT MY CHILD TO DO SOMETHING IMPORTANT WITH LIFE PART 1........TIPS

Children are born entitled. They are surrounded by adults who cater to their every need.

That’s fine when those things really are necessities: food, clothing, diapers and a place to get some sleep. Children grow up, though, and as they age, many come to define “needs” as an iPhone or a pair of expensive shoes. So how can parents teach their 21^st century kids to be more grateful and truly appreciate things?

    AFFIRMATION:  Sometimes one simple word of affirmation can change an entire life. So make sure your children know how much you appreciate them. And then, remind them every chance you get.

    ART. With the advent of the Internet, everyone who wants to create… can. The world just needs more people who want to…

    CHALLENGE:  Encourage your child to dream big dreams. In turn, they will accomplish more than they thought possible… and probably even more than you thought possible.

    COMPASSION/JUSTICE: Life isn’t fair. It never will be – there are just too many variables. But when a wrong has been committed or a playing field can be leveled, I want my child to be active in helping to level it.

    CONTENTMENT: The need for more is contagious. Therefore, one of the greatest gifts you can give your children is an appreciation for being content with what they have… but not with whom they are.

    CURIOSITY: Teach your children to ask questions about who, what, where, how, why, and why not. “Stop asking so many questions” are words that should never leave a parents’ mouth.

    DETERMINATION: One of the greatest determining factors in one’s success is the size of their will. How can you help grow your child’s today?

    DISCIPLINE: Children need to learn everything from the ground-up including appropriate behaviors, how to get along with others, how to get results, and how to achieve their dreams. Discipline should not be avoided or withheld. Instead, it should be consistent and positive.

    ENCOURAGEMENT:  Words are powerful. They can create or they can destroy. The simple words that you choose to speak today can offer encouragement and positive thoughts to another child. Or your words can send them further into despair. So choose them carefully.

    FAITHFULNESS TO YOUR SPOUSE. Faithfulness in marriage includes more than just our bodies. It also includes our eyes, mind, heart, and soul. Guard your sexuality daily and devote it entirely to your spouse. Your children will absolutely take notice.

    FINDING BEAUTY: Help your children find beauty in everything they see and in everyone they meet.

    GENEROSITY: Teach your children to be generous with your stuff so that they will become generous with theirs.

    HONESTY/INTEGRITY: Children who learn the value and importance of honesty at a young age have a far greater opportunity to become honest adults. And honest adults who deal truthfully with others tend to feel better about themselves, enjoy their lives more, and sleep better at night.

    HOPE: Hope is knowing and believing that things will get better and improve. It creates strength, endurance, and resolve. And in the desperately difficult times of life, it calls us to press onward.

    HUGS AND KISSES: I once heard the story of a man who told his 7-year old son that he had grown too old for kisses. I tear up every time I think of it. Know that your children are never too old to receive physical affirmation of your love for them.

    IMAGINATION. If we’ve learned anything over the past 20 years, it’s that life is changing faster and faster with every passing day. The world tomorrow looks nothing like the world today. And the people with imagination are the ones not just living it, they are creating it.

    INTENTIONALITY: I believe strongly in intentional living and intentional parenting. Slow down; consider who you are, where you are going, and how to get there. And do the same for each of your children.

    YOUR LAP: It’s the best place in the entire world for a book, story, or conversation. And it’s been right in front of you the whole time.

    LIFELONG LEARNING: A passion for learning is different from just studying to earn a grade or please teachers. It begins in the home. So read, ask questions, analyze, and expose. In other words, learn to love learning yourself.

     LOVE: but the greatest of these is love.