51 WHO CHILDREN ARE IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT
THAN WHAT THEY DO. CHILDREN ARE HUMAN BEINGS, NOT HUMAN DOINGS.

Some parents constantly are telling children, “Do this” or “Don’t do this.” Life is filled with dos and don’ts.

But a child’s self-esteem isn’t founded on performance; it’s rooted in being. Who we are is far more important than what we do.

Help your child mature by emphasizing who he or she is. Tell a child, “You are …”

•     Fearfully and wonderfully made by God.

•     Full of potential and promise.

•     Capable of doing anything through Christ who strengthens you.

•     Loved and accepted by both God and me.

•     Talented and gifted.

•     Intelligent and sensitive.

•     Special and unique.

•     Loving and kind.

This isn’t a complete list. You need to complete it. It’s just to get you started. Make a list now for your child. Begin to focus on who your child is in Christ Jesus, not what they can do. You are …

1.     ______________________________________________

2.     ______________________________________________

3.     ______________________________________________

4.     ______________________________________________

5.     ______________________________________________

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy (1 Peter 2:9–10). Action Steps I/We Need to Take