"Parents do not realize how far a word of praise will go with children. Praise is sunshine to a child, and there is no child who does not need it. Praise spurs a child on to earnest effort.
It is the high reward of one's struggle to do right. Children should be quick to perform little acts of kindness for their elders. Parents should show their appreciation for these kindly acts of the habit is soon dropped. Many a child, starving for the praise that parents should give, runs off eagerly after the flattery of others.
To withhold praise where it is due is dishonest, and in the case of the child, such a course often leaves a stinging sense of injustice. One may as well think to grow flowers in frost as to think of raising children successfully with rebuke and constant criticism."
~The Golden Gems of Life
Some households are great at praising their children while others need more help, so here are a few quick ways to praise your children even when you are busy:
1. Honestly - Give praise where it is due! Love your children and take time to notice what they do. Slow down and really watch them. Speak truth, mercy, kindness, and grace into their life and ask the Lord to give you wisdom as you do it.
2. For good character - Praise them when they help or share with others and especially when no one is looking. Other things to praise them for is patience, perseverance, courage, obedience, integrity, faithfulness, good stewardship, diligence, etc.
3. As they grow in the Lord - when you see them reading their Bibles, studying, growing in wisdom and understanding, and applying what they've learned. These are great things to take notice of and to let them know that you notice.
You can even bless them by taking them out occasionally and rewarding them with a small gift or ice cream or a lunch date. Consider also how meaningful the gift of time is with a parent by reading a book to them or playing a game together.
What are some of your favorite ways to praise a child?
Share them in the comments below!
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act." Proverbs 3:27
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