A Mother’s Heart…Ways to Relate to Children
Psalm 127:3
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Psalm 113:9
He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.
Ways to interacts with children, influence children... your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and any other child that crosses your path. God wants you to have a mother’s heart. Some gals feel they have enough to do with their own children, or that they have already raised their kids so it is someone else’s turn!
Pray! Thursdays is Kids Prayer Day, make this a special day when you remember all children. Just use Thursdays as a reminder to pray for all kids everywhere. Kids can fight your rules, but they can’t fight your prayers.
1. Whenever you come in contact with a child, comment on something specific about them. Clothing, hair, smile, friendliness. Sure it is nice to comment on their character, but they are material beings.
(this includes kids you see at the store, event, in line, etc.) Just a second of kindness will connect with them personally and encourage them. The devil uses their clothing and appearance for bad....we can use it for good.
2. Encourage the entrepreneur in them. Buy what they are selling. Brag on their work. For a couple of bucks you can encourage them in their hard work.
3. Learn and remember their names. Give them a cute name tag so you can remember their names.
4. Ask questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” answer.
What are you excited about this summer?
Tell me about your pets.
What did/will you do for your birthday?
Best soul winning question, “Can you help me?” (this works with older kids/teens because at this age they are just used to people telling them what to do instead of asking them what they think.)
5. Make yourself special.
Candy, Gum, Band-Aids, Funny greetings, Jokes, Hugs, Punches, ask to see their report card and pay them for good grades with candy or dollars, tell them you will pray for them.
The kids will look forward to seeing you because they associate you with a special item they like.
6. Teens may have different covers, but it’s the same book. They need love!
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Yours may be the only Christian love they experience here on earth. Our countenance and looks on our face can tell the kids that they are not welcome at church. We are always too eager to point out the bad in kids. See the good in them that they chose to come to church so they must be seeking something.
All kids need:
Attention
Appreciation
Acceptance
Value
Respect
The only place they may get these things is at church!
7. Share your skills.
Yes, mentoring and loving takes TIME. But if we all commit to ONE kid ONE time a year, it is progress, and soooo worth while. We already have in place Power House....You could volunteer one time a year to show the kids one skill or hobby: Horses, Farm, Sew, Cook, Puppets, Stories, Gardening, Art, Collections, Noodle making, Tutoring, Music, Shopping.
Investing 1 hour in a child will last a lifetime!
What goes around comes around. Invest in someone else’s kids and they will invest in your kids.
8. Be a cheerleader
Everyone likes to be noticed, bragged on, and cheered on!
Meet the bus
Shake hands with kids as they get on the bus
Treats for the bus or JR church
Write notes when they sing or play, keep paper in your purse
Give out $1.00 a week to a kid. YES, we do have a dollar a week. This dollar buys a billion dollars worth of encouragement. Purchase small dollar store items- princess crowns- 6 for a dollar! Find 6 little girls and tell them they are a princess.
9. Invest in Youth
Time ~ talent ~ treasure
Be involved in school and church ministries for children.
VBS- serve cookies and drinks- there can NEVER be too many caring adults. Just stand there and smile with a big bandana.
Visit with a SS teacher
Help with our Youth Meeting
Sit in Jr church and smile
Help a ss teacher - take attendance and you can still come to your own class in time for the lesson
Make treats for nursery
Run off color sheets for nursery
Invite them to visit with you sometime, or request them in the nursery, or ask to help you to your car.
Adopt a kid in the church or in your neighborhood
10. Don t be a crab.
Buy Christian CD for kids who play loud music
Invite kids to cut through your yard
Offer water or buy drink for kid cutting grass
Let kids know you are interested in them, and encourage them to be by you.
You don’t have to know someone to invest in them!
