Growing Kids God’s Way

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. " – Psalm 127:3,4

When you love your child, there are six gifts which you should give them. These gifts cost nothing in terms of money, yet are very costly in the currency of time, energy and emotion. These six gifts are important in successful parenting, or growing kids God’s way.

Gift #1. The gift of yourself. Isn’t it strange that some parents give almost everything to their kids but forget to give the gift of themselves? Their kids have the latest clothes, TVs, Nintendo games, digital CDs and Walkmans–all kinds of things, but lack the Mom or Dad. The gift of yourself is really the gift of love.

Gift #2. The gift of self-esteem. Early in life we learn either self-esteem or self-depreciation. "What a pretty baby you are!" or "What pretty eyes you have!" can later turn into "How come you got a B-on your report card?" overlooking the five A’s that are there. Build self-esteem in your child by the following: Avoid comparisons with other kids; tell your youngster how proud you are of him when he or she does well; accept him just the same in a failure situation; be patient and have realistic expectations. Realize that every youngster matures at different rates.

Gift #3. The gift of self-reliance. Your goal as a parent should be to raise a kid so strong that when you aren’t there, he or she won’t need you! "Just say no!" kids are told when their hormones and their peers say, "Why not?" Your child will have about the same emotional strength as does your family. Remember, he’s the product of who you are as his parents. And when you are emotionally strong, you pass that strength on to him or her.

Gift #4. The gift of sensing value versus worth. Offer a four-year-old a bright red toy car or a crisp new $100 bill. Which will he take? Obviously, the bright toy, but as he grows older he has to learn the difference between satisfying his biological urges and realizing the cost, in terms of life, that his decision may bring.

Gift #5. The gift of self-discipline. Psychologists have seen that children who can defer gratification become stronger and more productive as adults. The psychologists will place one marshmallow in front of child and say, "You may have this now, but if you wait until I run an errand and come back, you may have two." Kids who learn the strength to wait develop the self-discipline that makes a difference in life.

Gift #6. The gift of faith in God. This is one gift that you cannot give unless you possess it yourself. Though it isn’t passed on through a genetic code, the baton of faith is passed from hand to hand when parents live their talk, and practice what they believe.

How many of these gifts have you given your child?

Resource Reading: Colossians 3:12-21