How can I encourage my child?

We have found several ways to encourage our children.

1. Show Unconditional Love
   “Receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God" (Romans 15:7). As parents, we have found that it is important to accept our children as God has accepted them and allow Him to love them through us. At times each of us is unlovable, but God still loves us unconditionally. God’s expression of love is our example for loving our children unconditionally.
2. Praise and Bless Them
   There are tremendous benefits in praising and blessing our children. Praise creates an atmosphere of love, joy, and acceptance. Children desire the praise of their parents, and they naturally want to please them and gain their acceptance. We feel that Mom and Dad should be their biggest fans and encouragers!
3. Listen to Gain Understanding
   We can learn to understand our children by listening to them. It is important that we give undivided attention to them when they talk to us. We want our children to be able to share their hearts without feeling that we will condemn them. Effective parenting requires good listening skills, which will produce greater understanding.
4. Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations
   We have found that it is important to guard against having unrealistic expectations for our children. At one time, our son lovingly said that we expect him to be perfect in every area. It is important for us as parents to yield our personal rights and expectations of perfection to God. We need to constantly be reminded that we are all on a journey, moving one step at a time. We can encourage our children to do right without making it seem overwhelming or impossible.
5. Have Fun Together!
   When children get together with friends, they have a good time. If we want the family to be best friends, it is important to provide opportunities for them to enjoy each other. We like to play together as a family. Sometimes we have each child make a list of the activities that they enjoy, and we do them together as a family.