How are you speaking life to your child?
Proverbs 18:21 NIV tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” The words you choose to speak over your child will either bring life or death. They will either build up or tear down.
We have all made mistakes in this area, saying things we didn’t really mean. But if you determine to speak life to your child, you will lift your child’s spirit and model God’s unconditional love.
How to Speak Life to Your Child
There are several truths all true Christians can agree on. We may disagree about many particulars, but these basic truths are what we all hold to be evident in Scripture. It’s crucial that your child grasps and accepts these truths as early as possible in his or her spiritual journey. You can convey these truths to your child in everyday conversations, which will help them stick in your child’s mind and heart.
1. Every day, speak loving, affirming words to your child.
Your child has an unlimited need of love from you. Research shows that we need five to seven positive affirmations to offset every one negative word. Be sure to lavish loving, affirming words on your child to fill up his or her love tank. Then your words of correction will not affect them so negatively.
Be mindful to praise your child for enduring character qualities rather than outward qualities. For example, it would be much wiser to praise your daughter for her kindness rather than for her beauty. It would be better to affirm your son for his obedience over his physical strength. Look for the deeper values and turn them into words of affirmation.
2. Model humility when you speak to your child.
One of the best gifts you can give your child is an example of humility. Be willing to admit mistakes, apologize and ask forgiveness when you do something wrong, such as yelling at your child. Your child will learn that no one is perfect, all of us need to confess our wrongs, and everyone needs forgiveness. These are essential qualities to model to your child. When you speak words of humility, you are speaking life to your child.
3. Speak a future of hope and joy over your child.
With the words you speak, you can invite your child to put on a heaven-focused mindset. It’s so easy to get bogged down in the negativity of life. But what sets Christian parents apart from the rest is the joy we have in Jesus, no matter our circumstances. Point your child toward hope in God when he or she is tempted to feel blue. Look for small joys throughout the day, and share them with your child. By teaching your child to focus on what’s good, you’ll invite him or her to have a hopeful, joyful spirit.
Speaking Life to Your Child
Jesus said in John 6:63 NIV: “The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” Every time you speak life to your child, you model Jesus to him or her. The more you speak life to your child, the more your child will speak life to others.
If you liked this post, please share it on social media using the buttons below!