"I like your smile!"

In reading a helpful parenting book--LOVING OBEDIENCE--by William Richardson... I have been challenged to model the character of God to my children by delighting in them. This is a key element of encouragement... and encouragement is half the stuff of nurturing children. (the other is direction/discipline/correction)

SO.... parents.... here are my notes from this book, hope they help:

7 paths of encouragement:

1.) Acknowledge assets

2.) Catch them doing good

a.) notice

b.) notice verbally

c.) express verbal appreciation

3.) Touch the heart

Appropriate physical touch actually reaches the heart. Look for spontaneous times to tussle hair, tickle or hug/wrestle.

4.) Have some fun

a.) make it fun for you as adult

b.) short times (15-20 minutes) keeps adult from feeling impossible

c.) uninterrupted… treat it as it is—an important meeting—"I won’t answer the phone, door, etc while I’m doing this."

5.) _____to be continued....