The positive side of parenting is praising, listening, and encouraging. Love creates the environment that gradually opens the heart of our kids to receive truth.
Talking Points:
- God the Father modeled the positive side of parenting every time he spoke publicly about Jesus. If the Father thought it was important to praise his Son, our kids need it even more. Matthew 3:16-17
- God created every human with a need for love-and it starts in childhood. Affirming words work alongside discipline to build character and confidence. Proverbs 16:24, Ephesians 4:32
- Affirmation takes talk, time and touch. There should be a quality to your affirmation that is intentional, authentic and unique to each kid.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Would you say you are more natural on the “positive” side or the “negative” side of parenting? Explain your answer.
- Read Matthew 3:16-17. Why do you think God made those statements for others to hear? Why is public praise important for your kids?
- Read Proverbs 16:24. How have you seen your affirming words help your kids? How have you seen your negative words impact your kids?
- Read Ephesians 4:32. What are some of the bad habits you have formed as a parent in response to frustrating behaviors in your kids? What is a more tender-hearted way to respond when you’re frustrated?
- What has/will happen if you tend more toward discipline than praise? What has/will happen if you tend more toward praise than discipline? What is a healthy balance of both?
- Identify the kind of affirmation each of your kids need from you. Why is it important to affirm each of your kids according to their needs? What will your intentional affirmation speak to them?
- Check out this topic on the 5 Love Languages and take the free inventory to determine your own love language and then try to guess what your kid’s language might be at this time. If your kids are old enough, have them take the inventory. How can these insights help you in your parenting?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
