Motivating Kids to Reflect the Character of God, Part 6
Out of Dr. Kathy Koch’s 5 core needs of a child, John and Danny focus on identity and how to make kids feel like they know who they are and that they belong in your family.
As vice president of the Parenting and Youth department Danny oversees initiatives that equip parents to disciple and mentor the next generation, so that they can thrive in Christ. He is a bilingual, licensed clinical social worker.
John Fuller is vice president of the Audio division and co-host of the daily "Focus on the Family" radio program. He speaks and writes about family, faith, media and business. John and his wife, Dena, reside in Colorado Springs, Colo., and have six children.
Out of Dr. Kathy Koch’s 5 core needs of a child, John and Danny focus on identity and how to make kids feel like they know who they are and that they belong in your family.
John and Danny discuss how sometimes we have to allow our children go through some pain and struggle to help them grow strong.
As parents, dealing day in and day out with our children can wear us out. John and Danny challenge parents to reach out for help and resources before complete exhaustion sets in.
Parents need discernment when it comes to some of the advice they’ll come across in raising their kids. John and Danny explain how the terrible advice of “never telling children no” can actually harm our kids.
When little boys who throw temper tantrums don’t get a handle on that into adulthood, things can get ugly. John and Danny emphasize the importance of teaching boys an emotional vocabulary early on so that anger and rage don’t control them as adults.
Little boys share a special bond with their moms because they often spend the most amount of time together. John and Danny explain how time with mom during the first few years of a boy’s life can shape their view of women.
If you’ve ever messed up so badly that you felt like you’ve disappointed everyone around you, pull up a chair and listen. John and Danny explain why it’s important to let go of past mistakes and forgive ourselves so we don’t end up carrying those burdens into our parenting.
Many moms worry constantly that they’re going to mess up their kids, but they don’t have to. John and Danny challenge parents to remember that while they’re significant, God is sovereign in their children’s lives.
When parents worry that a child isn’t living up to their potential, the child’s motivation may need to be re-directed. John and Danny remind parents that the only way kids will do what they’re supposed to, is for them to be motivated in that direction.
It’s our job as parents to help our children understand how to apply the Bible to their daily lives. John and Danny discuss how parents can use language about the fruit of the spirit or the feeding of the five thousand to show how God can work in the lives of their children.
We want our kids to be able to function well in society. That’s why we have to create boundaries for them when they’re young. John and Danny explain how to set boundaries by striking a balance of love and limits even if those boundaries are met with resistance.
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