Rewarding Our Kids

We met yesterday for the last regular time this season. We were SUPPOSED to study "rewarding extra-good behavior" and "rewarding gratitude" and other miscellaneous rewards. But we enjoyed chatting and eating cake instead. So I promised to blog today...the first time in more than a year! (Sadly.)

It is true, we all know it, that rewards do encourage good behavior. (That applies to US as well as to our kids, of course!) Raising children is such a big responsibility. And now that mine are grown, I see that even more than I did when I hand young ones around the house. There are many, many days when I wish I could go back and "fix" the times I've failed. But God has a better plan. He will use difficult times to teach them--and to teach us. We can do better by our children when we follow his guidance--and we must strive to follow God's guidance continually. In the end, with prayer and faithfulness, God will, by his grace, grow our children strong and help us be better parents. Here are some encouraging verses from our lesson.

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures" (Proverbs 24:3-4)

In this verse Solomon is using the illustration of a building a house to compare it with raising children. Do you see "rare and beautiful treasures" growing and developing in your children's hearts? Isn't that a wonderful prize to you? And your children can see this truth also when you teach the scripture and give him something he sees is beautiful to place in his room when he has done something good.

"Listen my son to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a gardland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." (Proverbs 1:8-9)

It's important that we instill respect in our children--respect for the wisdom of parents and teachers. And perhaps a necklace--given as a reward to your child for her good acts--will remind her to give such respect and follow instruction.

"Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." (Proverbs 10:4)

This last one is a fabulous reminder for our children to finish their chores with diligence and without being reminded...before they receive their allowance!

Be blessed, everyone, as we enter the summer season. Enjoy the times with your families, and stop in when you can--or just drop me a note. And big blessings for Chika and her family as she returns to Japan this weekend. May God grant safe travels for everyone.