"....(He will) gently lead those who are with young." Isaiah 40:11b
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Quiet, Grace Filled Mom -Lesson 21
Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
When I first read this verse in relation to our Quest, I thought only about how, as moms, we need to encourage each other in the Lord, daily. That fits so perfectly with the example set forth for us to pray for one another. We simply need to follow up those prayers with words of encouragement. Sometimes I just need someone else (preferably just as battle scarred as me) to let me know that I am doing a good job at this task called motherhood. I need to remember that, and take the time to encourage my mom-friends when I see them as well.
However fitting it is to encourage each other, we can’t forget to encourage our own children in what they do. One of the most time-tested, efficient, and well proven methods of discipline is positive reinforcement. I remember this phrase well from my days in college as I earned my degree in teaching. It was even part of my teacher evaluations done while I was in the classroom. In fact, I remember clearly the little box that the principal would check off that confirmed if I had used positive reinforcement, and precisely, if I had used “specific praise”.
Giving “specific praise” means that you don’t look at a room that your child has tidied and say, “Good job”, then walk away. To give specific praise means that you would say something more like, “Wow, you really worked hard to get the sheets on your bed flat, and the toys off the floor. Good job!” Why? Well, kids need to know that they are doing a good job too. Their “job” is to be a kid. It is a hard job. Growing up is no easy task. We may look back and think how easy our children have it, but sometimes we forget that they are working…working to learn and grow into big people.
Take time to specifically praise and encourage your children in the Lord today. I promise to do the same. Even something as simple as saying, “Sweetie, you are doing a wonderful job singing Jesus
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