So for the second installment of out of the book Lists to “Live by for Every Caring Family” we are touching on what our children see in us and what they learn from us. These foundational qualities that we desire our kids to possess must first come from us. Makes you think a little about your reaction to situations knowing that their are little eyes on us at all times…especially in our weakest of moments.
Qualities to Pass on to Your Children
- Honesty - Speak and live the truth…always!
- Responsibility - Be dependable, be trustworthy.
- Thoughtfulness - Think of others before yourself.
- Confidentiality - Don’t tell secrets, seal your lips.
- Punctuality - Be on time.
- Self-control - When under stress, stay calm.
- Patience - Fight irritability. Be willing to wait.
- Purity - Reject anything that lowers your standards.
- Compassion - When another hurts, feel it with him.
- Diligence - Work hard. Tough it out.
Charles R. Swindoll from Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life
While I was packing today I found a little book that I got a couple years ago and it really impacted me then. Maybe you’ve heard of the “Lists to Live by” series. This one was for “every caring family.” So I’m going to post one of these lists every week in an attempt to remind myself of some of these wise words and share them with all of you out there with families. Can’t hurt, right?
Children Learn What They Live
- If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn
- If children live with hostility, they learn to fight
- If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy (aha)
- If children live with shame, they learn to be guilty
- If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence
- If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient
- If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate
- If children live with acceptance, they learn to love
- If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves
- If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness
- If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and others
- If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live
By Dorothy Law Nolte (Author of Children Learn What They Live)
