Training Moment

by Rhonda Ellis, mother of six

When you think of something nice, say it. This is something I want each of my children to know and do. We can teach this to our kids, beginning when they are very young. "Mom, her dress is pretty." Coach your child how to look at a person's eyes and communicate with enthusiasm (not the cheerleading level) that same line..I like your dress. Have your child practice it back to you. Then, walk together up to the person and have your child tell her, "Your dress is pretty."

My five year old loves babies. Sunday we were at a restaurant when a lady with a baby stood by us. Laura's eyes lit up. "That is such a cute baby." I said, "Laura, tell the waiter to tap the lady and wait for her to look at you and then tell her that her baby is cut." If you are thinking your child wouldn't do that, first teach her how to say it and the principle of encouraging others and how their comment will build someone up. Then, have her say to you exactly what she'll say to that person, and then walk with her. After she says it, hold her hand and then when you are out of sight of others hearing, tell her how proud you are of her.

This skill is lifelong and encouraging words should flow from our mouths. This builds communication skills, confidence, leadership skills, the freedom to encourage others rather than focusing on our fears or insecurities and mostly believe it is teaching our children to focus on others. "Encourage one another and build each other up."

We Have Moved!

Mentoring Moments for Christian Women has moved!

To check out our free podcasts, orginial articles and women's ministry ideas visit us at

MentoringMoments.net

Special Plate

by Rhonda Ellis, homeschooling mom of six

Perhaps you have a "You Are Special" plate. If not, run, don't walk, and get one today! My family's special plate is red and has the words "You Are Special Today" printed along the rim. Others have a special plate that was made at a pottery studio by a family member. No matter what kind, get one today and make it a tradition to use it. We use our special plate to celebrate birthdays, special occasions such as an anniversary, the salvation of a family member, learning to count to 100, riding a bike with no training wheels, or anything else that is special to us. We also use the special plate when a guest eats dinner with us. Everyone else gets the regular plate, but the honored person has the "special plate" in front of them.

Here's what we do that has been so wonderful to our family. We go around the table and honor the "special" person. Each person looks right into the special person's eyes, and shares how that person is loved, respected, honored or valued. "Daniel, you are special to me because you talk with me in our bedroom each night. I love you." "Alexis, you are special to me. You are a big sister who helps me with craft projects. I love you." Or to a guest who the kids barely know, but have heard about prior to them eating with us, "Sharon, you are special to me because you have influenced my mom. She has learned speaking skills from you."

What has been such a blessing about using the "special plate" is the freedom our kids have with saying "I love you" to each other openly. Also, stating the strengths they see in each other, expressing how they are valuable and needed in our family, the ability to notice the differences in others, recognizing their unique strengths and being fine about weaknesses, and the open communication in complimenting another. I know that many adults struggle with being able to express themselves like this, and I am grateful for having learned from others about the "special plate".

"Let each esteem others better than themselves."

 

Teach Them Their Identity In Christ

from The Gift of Honor by Gary Smalley & John Trent

"By teaching your children who God says they are, you honor them and help them leave home with high worth. His Word says that His children are deeply loved, highly treasured, of great worth, only a little lower than the angels, secure in His love, His own special people, made in His image, of more value than the birds of the air, and so important that God gave up His only Son to reclaim them from darkness.

Every day, by teaching God's Word to your children and living it out before them, by having them listen to Christian music and allowing them to be with His people at  church and at socials, you can build in positive words and thoughts that give them a secure identity in Christ. When children know how God views them, that can be the greatest single factor in building up their self-worth."

 

Teaching Your Children To Handle Money

by Loi Palmer

Do you find yourself saying these words, 'Do you think money grows on trees?' Or ' What do you think I'm made of, money?' When my kids hit middle school age I felt like I was constantly shelling out money for the movies, Chick fil A, youth group activities and new clothes. I wanted my kids to have all of this but what yanked my chain was that they didn't seem to appreciate the value of money.

Chuck and I came up with a plan that taught a great life lesson to our children. We figured out how much money we spent on them over a 12 month period. This included clothes, fun money and summer camp. We then divided that by twelve (you see where I'm going with this), and came up with their weekly allowance. We then sat down and explained the value of budgeting, tithing, generous giving and saving. We actually took it a step further and presented it in typed form and had them sign it.

My boys still enjoy wearing only designer clothes, but they bid for them on e-bay or watch for sales. They don't mind drinking water and using coupons when they go out to eat with their buddies or on a date. I knew Wesley understood the value of a dollar when one evening after the movies he and his friends stopped to buy ice cream at Marble Slab. Wes was shocked at the price and convinced his friends that he had a much cheaper plan. They bought a gallon of ice cream from Wal-Mart and a package of plastic spoons for the price of two double dipped cones. Wesely's innovative idea is now a tradtion after the movies.

Scriptures To Pray For Children

from Janice Pender, Mother of three, grandmother of two

Adapted and re-phrased for prayers

Acts 20:32 - "Now I commit my children to You and to the word of your grace, which can build them up and give them an inheritance among all those who are sanctified."

Isaiah 54:13 - "I pray that all my children will be taught by You Lord, and that great will be my children's peace."

Isaiah 59:21 - "I pray that Your Spirit, who is in my children, and Your words that You have put in their mouths will not depart from their mouths, or from the mouths of their children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever."

Deut. 33:12 - "Let my children rest secure in You, for You shield them all day long, and my children, who You love, rest between Your shoulders."

Phil. 2:13 - "I pray that my children will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that they may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which they will shine like stars in the universe as they hold out the word of life."

Col. 3:23 - "I pray that whatever they do, that they will work at it with all their hearts, as working for You, Lord and not for man."

Col. 3:1-2 - "Since my children have been raised with Christ, I pray that they will set their hearts on heavenly things."

Psalms 91:11 - "I thank you that you will command Your angels concerning my children to guard them in all their ways."

Romans 12:2 - "I pray that they will not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but that they will be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Then they will be able to test and approve what Your will is."

2 Thess. 3:3 & 5 - "But You are faithful, and You will strengthen and protect my children from the evil one. May you direct their hearts into Your love and Christ's perseverance.

 

All Content provided by Mentoring Moments For Christian Women. Copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved.