Six A’s of Positive Parenting

Hi Parents,

” Like apples of gold in settings of silver, is a word spoken in right circumstances.” Proverbs 25:11 (NIV)

This aptly describes words of appreciation that are spoken from the heart, given at the right moment, and offered encouragement to the listener.

Flattery is insincere praise that is meant to manipulate. Unless our children are absolutely sure that we accept them unconditionally, praise and appreciation can be perceived as manipulations. That’s why appreciation must be built upon acceptance.

The concept of acceptance and appreciation are challenging to us. For those of us who have never received these gifts from our own parents, it seems beyond our power to bestow upon our children. I would suggest that we apply these concepts in small increments, and take it one day at a time. Before we try words of praise, why don’t we start with reducing negative comments we heap upon our children? If we have problem uttering phrases of appreciation, why don’t we start with a smile? These are all attainable goals that we can set on a daily basis. Acceptance and appreciation are always choices, and I hope you will make that choice daily.

During book talk, I introduced you to a book by Spencer Johnson, ” Who Moved My Cheese?” Making changes in our life are always uncomfortable and scary. This easy-to-read book will show you how to embrace and welcome change. Hope this will inspire as well as amuse you.

Your homework for this week is to find and ‘catch’ opportunities to offer words of encouragement to your children. Use descriptive praises so they know what they have done right. Do this consistently so it will get easier for you.

Here is a bible verse that reminds us of positive self-talk.

” …whatever is right, whatever is of good repute, if there is

  excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let you mind dwell

  on these things.”  Philipians 4:8

Hi Parents,

Thanks for coming to today’s sunday school class. While today’s lesson is still fresh in your mind, please jot down a few questions you would like to ask concerning today’s lesson on your notebook and bring them to class next week. We will have a short review of what we’ve learned as well as Q & A before we proceed to the next lesson.

Here’s a quote by Nathaniel Branden, the authority on self-esteem, for you to ponder.

” There is no value judgment more important to man, no factor more decisive in his psychological development and motivation – than the estimate he passes on himself … The nature of his self-evaluation has profound effects on a man’s thinking processes, emotions, desire, values and goals.It is the single most significant key to his behavior.”

            Nathaniel Branden

            The Psychology of Self Esteem