Skip to main content

Be Their Biggest Cheerleader

Children blossom under positive encouragement. I felt very convicted the other day that I needed to be more intentional with encouraging my children. I want them to know how proud I am of their accomplishments - big or small. I also try to encourage positive character traits I see in them. It's amazing what that does. 

Sadly, this doesn't come naturally to me. I'm a tough perfectionist, especially on myself. It's good to be driven and always seek to do better, but I need to remind myself that praise gets people further than criticism. (That goes for myself too.) I need to recognize when other people are doing their best and offer up heartfelt praise. I should also apply this to myself; I'm doing my very best - and it's good enough.

This is at the top of my self-improvement list. Perfection is not a tangible goal. Encouragement to do your very best should be the goal - and everyone's best looks different. I need to remember to apply this to my kids, my coworkers, and myself.

Both of my boys have been working on reading with their Nana while I'm at work, in preparation for school this fall. They love to show me their letters and I make a huge deal about it, showing over-the-top excitement as I praise their accomplishments. Their dimpled smiles were priceless.

Tonight, my 3-year-old daughter wanted to play "beauty salon" with me. I let her "style" my hair and paint my fingernails. The results were, well....


But I gushed about how beautiful my nails looked and what a great job she did. The look on her face was priceless. Priceless enough that I'm going to wear my nails like this when I run errands tomorrow and brag to everyone I see that my daughter did a great job. Doesn't matter what anyone thinks when they see my fingers splattered with pink polish. I want my daughter to know I'm proud of her.

Our kids will grow up in a world full of criticism and status-quos. We should be the ones cheering them on in their endeavors, regardless of perfection. They should have the security of knowing that their parents are proud of them. Everyone needs their own cheering squad to make it successfully through life.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Texas-Style Feast

Ok, time for a food post! In an alternate reality, I would be a chef. Here is what we had for supper today... Baked Chili-Bacon Potatoes Poke a few holes in your (washed) potato and coat with bacon drippings. Rub some chili powder and salt into the skins. Wrap in foil and bake at 400 F for an hour. Suggested toppings: sour cream, salsa, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Garlic-Roasted Zucchini & Corn Take about three zucchini, washed and chopped, and toss together with a bag of corn, olive oil, minced garlic, salt & pepper. Bake at 375 F for about 30-35 min. Simply Divine Steak I don't believe in heavy seasoning. Sometimes simple is best - especially when it comes to a good steak. I purchased some beautifully thick sirloin steaks, patted them dry with a paper towel, then simply brushed them with some butter, salt, and pepper on each side. Grill them on medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side. You want it pink and juicy on the inside, so don't grill them too long. Once...
Post a Comment
Read more

He Is Enough

Though barren wastelands I travel through, Though darkening hour should cover me, Though my strength is e'er weakening still, I know my God will hold me. No earthly possessions do I own, No place to settle, still. Though survival seems an e'er present theme, I know my God shall sustain me. I have been brought low, But my battered heart yet beats. My life seems shattered into pieces, But I know my God will heal me. He is enough to guide my paths. He is enough to light my way. He is enough to hold me up, And provide my every need. He is enough to be my only Home And make me flourish where I am. He is enough, He is my All-in-All. He is my Rock And guiding hand. He is enough. - Carey D.
Post a Comment
Read more

Just Wait

I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but I tried online dating... for about 24 hours. I was curious but in the end, disappointed. It felt like I was online shopping for a boyfriend... oh wait...  After a few "Hey, you look hot! Let's get to know each other better" type messages, I shut the account down. Not sure what I was expecting, but it felt so weird and awkward. Detached. Impersonal. Not for me. I realized that even after all of the crap I've been through, deep down I'm still a hopeless (and stupid) romantic. I still think two people can just meet in real life. If two people want to spend the rest of their lives together, shouldn't their current lives (social circles, activities, interests/hobbies) already run parallel with each other? Then it's simply a matter of joining hands and going through life together, right? I felt a strong urge to just wait.  There is  someone for you. Just be patient. I know it sounds weird. It's not that I liter...
1 comment
Read more