Children

Take Time to Listen

Although children’s brains are still developing, kids are people with unique personalities, individual tastes, and distinct opinions. Take time to listen. Ask what they think about age-appropriate news topics, personal interactions, or themes in books and movies. Allowing them to provide input builds their confidence and strengthens their ability to interact socially in meaningful ways—and you might learn something new.

Value Your Child’s Emotions

Popular for providing imaginative explanations of difficult feelings, the Inside Out movies give adults and children a shared language to communicate and understand emotions. Valuing and validating a child’s emotions in healthy ways can strengthen your relationship. Instead of reacting to certain behaviors, probe the underlying reasons. Children's emotional intelligence grows as adults model empathy and compassion.

Teenage Years Are Tough

Your little girl followed you everywhere and loved your Dad jokes! Now, suddenly she’s embarrassed by your presence and communicates with eye rolls. Teenage years can be difficult to navigate. Dad, your daughter needs you more than ever as she figures out her identity. Stay connected. Don’t give up. Let her know you’re here for her.

Children Crave Boundaries

Believe it or not, children crave boundaries. While kids absolutely need playtime with parents, research shows our children feel more secure and experience less anxiety with clear rules and well-defined roles. When we set fair, reliable guidelines and maintain consistency, our kids know what to expect. This helps them relax and feel protected.

Children Are God's Gift

The world seems to view children as inconvenient barriers. A recent study found 47% of women under 50 don’t expect to have kids—many simply don’t want to. But God's Word describes children as a gift and as a reward from the Lord. Jesus himself stopped everything to interact with children. Take time for a child this week.

Remember Being a Child

Do you remember being a child? Feeling the anticipation before a holiday or birthday, the wonder of a new experience, the joy in mastering a skill? Children are impacted by positive memorable moments. It’s easy to get caught up in daily routine. At least once a week, take time to create opportunities for wonder, creativity, and new experiences in the life of your child.