Love

What characteristic is your parenting identified by?

Are you stern, strict, loose, easy going, organized, free flowing, negative, nagging, positive, playful, serious, warm and close or a little detached?

I think we are all a little of each at different times.

However, I think our parenting should be overwhelmingly identified by one virtue.

Love.

We can show love to our children all day every day. Fill your day with kind words of praise, understanding and acceptance.

Take time to enjoy your child – to be funny together, to share a cuddle or a made-up story. Use a gentle, quiet tone as you explain and administer consequences for choices. Show a love that cares enough to train.

Practically speak all five love-languages to your child, not just their primary love-language. (“Five Languages of Love” by Chapman). If this does not come easily to you, then put this list on your fridge or notice board and try to do one each day to get you started.

Quality Time – just one-to-one regular special moments

Gift Giving – small inexpensive unexpected gifts

Acts of Service – actions that show you care

Encouraging Words – words to esteem and approve

Physical touch – hugs, kisses, pats, massage and tickles.

Colossians 3:14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.