The Cue: Raising Resilient Kids
A Kids Worship Newsletter
Resilient: adj. able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
Resilience: n. a quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever
As military families, we get the idea of resiliency. In fact, resiliency is quite the “catch” word in our environments. As we face deployments, TDYs and the ever-so-often PCS, we tell ourselves that “we are resilient.” And, it’s true! Serving our country brings with it a list of difficult conditions. If we embrace those difficulties with courage and a sense of adventure, we will grow and flourish; we will become more resilient.
This week, we were all reminded of the resiliency Joseph must have had as he suffered betrayal, slavery, unjust accusations which lead to imprisonment and abandonment. His life circumstances sure did knock him down; but God used them to make him stronger than ever.
Our children face difficult environments every.single.day. They are bombarded by an ungodly culture; they are overwhelmed by social media; they are thrust into battles with sin on a daily basis. So, how do we as parents and caretakers lead this rising generation through the day to day moments? How is it possible to raise resilient kids? And, not just resilient kids, but God-centered, faith-minded, Christ-like, resilient kids?
First, parents must be resilient in their commitments.
- Commit to following God by reading His word, spending time in prayer and gathering together with a body of believers.
- Commit to reading God’s word to your children.
- Commit to praying with your children each night as they go to bed or each morning before they leave for school.
Second, parents must be resilient in their relationships.
- Do not forget each other. One of the best ways to love your children is to provide them with the security of parents who choose to love one and honor one another. Do not neglect the marriage relationship.
- Do not forget to make time for your children. Take a walk around the neighborhood with your kids. Or, carve out a special one-on-one time to spend with each one of your children.
- Do not forget your friends. Make time for others. Be hospitable. Look for ways that you can bless a neighbor.
Third, parents must be resilient in their fun.
- Invest in having fun. Put aside the devices and all forms of technology and play a board game. Visit a park. Play kickball. Read a book to your child. Get down on the floor and play with your kids.
Model resiliency for your kids. Show them that when life knocks you down, you have the faith to get back up and to keep going. Be a godly example. Let your kids know that you trust God every.single.day, and encourage them to do the same.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.