HELP FOR THE FAMILY/PARENTING - Conclusion of Teaching Children Humility

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Give praise when it is truly deserved.   If your daughter scores well on a school test, commend her.   If she gets a low grade, do not automatically blame the  teacher.  That would hardly help your daughter learn humility.   Instead, help her to see how she may do better next time.  Reserved praise for actual accomplishments.

Give correction when necessary.  This does not mean that you should criticize your  child for every mistake. (Colossians 3:21) But serious errors should be corrected.  The same can be said about wrong attitudes.  Otherwise, these may become more deeply ingrained. 

For example, suppose your son is showing a tendency to brag.  Uncorrected, he could become conceited and began to alienate others.  So explain to your child that boasting makes him look bad and that it could set him up for embarrassment.  (Proverbs 27:2)  Explain, too, that a person with a balanced view of himself does not feel the need to broadcast his abilities to others. By giving such correction in the spirit of love, you will teach him humility without hurting his self-respect. -Bible principle: Matthew 23:12. 

Prepare your child for life's realities.  Indulging a child's every wish  can cause him to feel entitled.  So, for example, if your child wants something you cannot afford, explain why it is necessary to live within a budget.  if you have to cancel an outing or a vacation, you could explain that  disappointments  are part of life and perhaps discuss how you deal with such disappointments.  Rather than shield your children from every hardship, prepare them for the challenges they will face as adults. -Bible principle: Proverbs 29:21.

Encourage giving.  Prove to your child that "there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving."  (Acts 20:35) How?  Together you might prepare a list of people in need of help with shopping, transportation, or repair work.  Then take your child along as you assist some of them.  Allow your child to see your joy and satisfaction as you care for the needs of others.  That way you will teach your child humility in the most powerful way-by example. -Bible principle:  Luke 6:38.

Next time:PORTRAITS FROM THE PAST/ALHAZEN

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