Saturday, December 27, 2008

7 Biblical Principles for Building God Confidence (Self Esteem) in Your Children

Today I begin a series aimed at helping you to build self esteem or what I like to call God confidence in your children.

Step One: Speak positively into your child's life.

There is a story in the Bible which involves a fathers words or lack thereof.

Esau and Jacob were both sons of Isaac. According to the covenant God made with Abraham, who was Isaac's father, it was required that they pass on the blessing of God to their eldest son.

Now Isaac had every intention of doing this, but Isaac's younger son Jacob and Jacob's mother Rachel, tricked Jacob into giving this birthright to Isaac.

Esau was distraught. So much so that he hated his brother Jacob.

In this situation, Isaac could have diffused the situation by speking up. Instead he chose to remain silent and docile. As a result Esau spent many years in turmoil.

A parents encourging words can propel a child to greatness while a careless remark or lack thereof can send a child into a life long tail spin. As parents our words can shape our child's view of the world and their place in it.

The Bible teaches us that we have the power of life and death in ou rown tongues. Choose to speak life into your children. Avoid words and criticisms that lead to ridicule and shame. Be generous with praise. Catch your chidren doing good rather that seeking to catch them doing bad.

Your words make a difference in what your children believe about themselves

What were the last words you said to your child today? How can you use your words to build up and encourage your children each day?

Cheryl Lacey Donovan is an author, talk show host and inspirational speaker. Her new book The Minsitry of Motherhood will be released in May 2009. To learn more about Cheryl visit www.cheryllaceydonovan.com

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