God the Father did it, and so should you. When you affirm your kids, you're setting the stage for everything else you have to do as a dad.

Talking Points:

  • God the Father spoke publicly about the Son twice in the gospel of Matthew. Both times it was to affirm him. Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5
  • If the perfect Son of God received words of affirmation from his Father, how much more do our imperfect kids need affirmation from their parents? Ephesians 6:4, Proverbs 16:24, Ephesians 4:32
  • Every kid – even the most challenging ones – need and deserve affirmation.
  • Remember the 3 B’s:
    • Be intentional.
    • Be authentic.
    • Be unique.
  • Use the 3 T’s of Praise:
    • Talk: use your words to speak love and praise over your kids.
    • Time: spend time with your kids and show them that they are a priority to you.
    • Touch: show affection to your kids.
Discussion:
  1. Describe the “love” climate in your home growing up (affectionate/affirming or cold/distant?) How have those family dynamics affected the way you express love to your kids?
  2. Read Matthew 3:17 and Matthew 17:5. What stands out to you about what God said? Why was it important for him to speak those words?
  3. Read Proverbs 16:24. Share a personal experience you’ve had with the power of positive words. How have you seen encouraging words impact your kids in the past?
  4. Read Ephesians 4:32. Identify the behaviors in each of your kids that frustrate you. How do you need to be more tender-hearted toward your kids in those areas?
  5. Review the 3 B’s. What does it look like for you to be intentional with affirmation moving forward? Identify three unique traits for each of your kids that you will work to affirm more.
  6. What would quality time look like with each of your kids? What will that time communicate to them?
  7. Why is affection an important part of expressing love? How do you need to improve in this area and what kind of affection do each of your kids need?
  8. Are you familiar with the 5 love languages? What would you guess is your kid’s language? How can knowing their language help you to love them more?
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