10 Practical Ways We Love Our Children

A while back I heard a message from Dr. Danny Aiken, President of Southeastern Seminary, at our Church. In the message he spoke on building family relationships and gave 10 practical ways to show love to our children (grandchildren, niece's, nephews). Trust they will be as much a help to you as they have been to me.

1. Get down on their level.
   ~ Bend down when you talk to them
   ~ play the things they want to play
   ~ roll around on the floor with them
   ~ have fun.
   
   
2. Loving our mate.
   ~ Speaking words of kindness and respect to your spouse in the same way you would speak to your friends.
   
   
3. Discipline them.
   ~ Be consistent wherever we draw the line. "The rod of correction (used in a responsible way) imparts wisdom, but a child left to itself disgraces his mother." "Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul." Proverbs 29:15, 17
   
   
4. Look at them.
   ~ Looking in their eyes shows them they are important to you and what they have to say is valuable.
   
   
5. Touch them.
   ~ They need hugs.
   
   
6. Spend time with them.
   ~ Love is a four letter word ~ best spelled out TIME.
   
   
7. Listening to them.
   ~ "My dear brothers(sisters), take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19
   
   
8. Blessing them rather than cursing them.
   ~ There is such incredible power in our words ~ our words either tear down or build up. Use only words that will build our kids up ~ "I'm so proud of you" goes a long way in building a child's self esteem.
   
   
9. Having fun with them.
   ~ Always look for teachable moments. "These commandments I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7
   
   
10. Introduce them to a perfect parent.
    ~ Pray for them daily and tell them about God, the perfect Father. "Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12 ". . . And by Him we cry Abba, Father. The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." Romans 8:15-16

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him."

Psalm 127:3