‘Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants.’ Deuteronomy 32:2 https://my.bible.com/bible/116/DEU.32.2
‘In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.’ Titus 2:6-8(NLT)
Gary Ezzo, the author of Growing Kids God’s Way, wrote: “Moral truth is best communicated in periods of non-conflict. That doesn’t mean we will not teach at times of correction, but it does mean a healthy dose of moral enlightenment should take place throughout the day and in the moments of non-conflict, when the child is not in a position to have to defend his or her actions.”
To add to that, when you see your child do something right — say, gracefully receiving “no” for an answer, or being spontaneously generous, or treating someone kindly, or pleasantly sharing with someone else — highlight that good behavior. Make sure they know that you noticed. Reward them with affirmation. Positive behavior is a big deal, and you should celebrate it together!
Help your kids learn to plan good behavior ahead of time. When you know you’re going to be going out somewhere, remind your kids of specific times when you’ve seen them behave well in the past. Then express your clear expectations for what behavior will be appropriate for wherever it is that you’re going.
“Dads, communicate encouraging words to your children. If you don’t, they’ll internalize your silence as rejection.” —Greg C. Gunn
from Family-ID: 7 Keys To A Great Family