Bringing Out The Best In Our Children by Dr. Deborah Tillman
Parenting is a journey not a sprint. There will be many peaks and valleys. There will be wins and losses; ups and downs but through it all, Jeremiah 29:11 says; “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.” These words must be placed deeply in our hearts and souls as we raise our children. After working with children and families for over 26 years, there are some crucial things we as parents can do to bring out the BEST in our children.
First, Expect the Best: If you think they can or if you think they can’t you are both CORRECT! It is important that we always look for the silver lining. Children need to know that we are their number one cheerleader and that we will stick with them through thick and thin. We do that by leading by example. Children will BE what they SEE so show them what kindness, forgiveness, character and humility really look like.
Second, Eliminate Excuses: We live in a country where everyone is so busy that we don’t have time for anything including the children we birthed. I will tell you like my mother use to tell me… We make time for what we want to make time for. Children are a gift and no matter how busy we think we are our children should be a top priority when it comes to sowing seeds of success in their lives because LOVE to them is spelled T. I. M. E.
Third, Effectively Discipline: Discipline comes from the root word to “disciple” which means to teach. It is imperative that when we discipline our children we are teaching them a valuable lesson. A lesson that does not require inflicting pain which leaves them feeling humiliated and embarrassed but a lesson that they can glean from and think
twice before doing it again.
And finally, it is imperative for we as parents to Evaluate Our Words: Life and Death is in the power of the tongue. Some forty and fifty year-olds are still suffering in silence from something someone negatively said to them when they were younger. Let us all begin to connect with our children before correcting them. Respond instead of reacting
and speak life into our children no matter what they have done and give them the grace that we so needed and perhaps didn’t get growing up. When we say, “there is greatness in you; you are a winner; I believe in you; you are enough, you are fearfully and wonderfully made,” they will believe in themselves. As they do, they will realize that all things are possible even their opportunity to be their BEST!
Learn more at about Dr. Tillman via her website at www.deborahtillman.com follow her on Twitter @deborahltillman
plans to give you hope and a future.” These words must be placed deeply in our hearts and souls as we raise our children. After working with children and families for over 26 years, there are some crucial things we as parents can do to bring out the BEST in our children.
First, Expect the Best: If you think they can or if you think they can’t you are both CORRECT! It is important that we always look for the silver lining. Children need to know that we are their number one cheerleader and that we will stick with them through thick and thin. We do that by leading by example. Children will BE what they SEE so show them what kindness, forgiveness, character and humility really look like.
Second, Eliminate Excuses: We live in a country where everyone is so busy that we don’t have time for anything including the children we birthed. I will tell you like my mother use to tell me… We make time for what we want to make time for. Children are a gift and no matter how busy we think we are our children should be a top priority when it comes to sowing seeds of success in their lives because LOVE to them is spelled T. I. M. E.
Third, Effectively Discipline: Discipline comes from the root word to “disciple” which means to teach. It is imperative that when we discipline our children we are teaching them a valuable lesson. A lesson that does not require inflicting pain which leaves them feeling humiliated and embarrassed but a lesson that they can glean from and think
twice before doing it again.
And finally, it is imperative for we as parents to Evaluate Our Words: Life and Death is in the power of the tongue. Some forty and fifty year-olds are still suffering in silence from something someone negatively said to them when they were younger. Let us all begin to connect with our children before correcting them. Respond instead of reacting
and speak life into our children no matter what they have done and give them the grace that we so needed and perhaps didn’t get growing up. When we say, “there is greatness in you; you are a winner; I believe in you; you are enough, you are fearfully and wonderfully made,” they will believe in themselves. As they do, they will realize that all things are possible even their opportunity to be their BEST!
Learn more at about Dr. Tillman via her website at www.deborahtillman.com follow her on Twitter @deborahltillman
Great guidance. I love it, "connect BEFORE you correct." I will be putting this into practice. Thanks Deborah!
ReplyDeleteEmpowering our children is paramount and being responsible for the words we speak... Evaluate Our Words.. wonderful food for thought. Thanks Deborah you are the best!
ReplyDeleteTo God be the Glory! Yes, we don't have to birth a child to love a child. Empowering children is vital to raising the next generation. Thanks Sarah!
DeleteGreat powerful message, that will uplift me and my children with nothing but the best. Thank you 💕 Sherrice
ReplyDeleteParenting is tough yet rewarding. We can expect the best from our kids and support them in their journeys to become productive adults.
ReplyDeleteWow what timing Deborah...I just sent off my 17 year old daughter to study a broad in Thailand for a whole year! Your words are very timely. I know as parents we want the best for our children and expecting the best out of them pushes them to reach their full potential GOD has destined for for them and how they can make a difference in this world. Thank you for your words of wisdom Deborah!!!
ReplyDeleteMike, I remember those days of sending my son, Zeplyn oversees. Looking back on it now, he learn and grew so much during that experience and I am so glad I just learned to "Let Go and Let God" Blessings,
DeleteWow, amazing insights! You are so right about excuses. As parents we cannot make any excuses. Just step it up and make it work. Our children's lives depend on it. Great work!
ReplyDeleteLove it. It takes a long way to raise a child the right way
ReplyDeleteVery powerful and humbling message that all parents can relate to Dr. Tillman. Thank you for blessing us with your wisdom, knowledge and experience. HappyHomeparent
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing truths Deborah has shared with us. These are action steps. A reminder that we have to put forth the effort to raise and love on our children.
ReplyDelete