THE AWKWARD MOM

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Tag: relationships; parenting; kids; ideas; practical; (page 1 of 2)

12 Ways to Pray for Your Child’s Teachers (FREE printables!)

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12 ways to pray text

In celebration of the new school year–and since many of you are new to this blog in the last year–I’m reposting these specific prayers for these individuals who powerfully influence our kids, families, and communities day after day.  Download this list free here as a pdf–great for Bible studies, personal use, or this format for church bulletin inserts. I’m hoping it’s a great way to kick off loving on the teachers in our lives and cheering them on throughout the year. Please share if you find this useful!   -Janel

Interview-Your-Child Fridays, #6

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7.If you could go to any time in history, where and when would you go?

Interview-Your-Child Fridays, #5

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7.If you could go to any time in history, where and when would you go?

Surprising parenting advice I can’t live without, #2

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parenting advice.jpg Missed #1? Get it here.
  1. “Maturity means you’re a giver more than a taker.” Tedd Tripp writes, “Gurus promise to teach you how to build self-esteem in your children. Have you noticed that no books promise to help produce children who esteem others?”

Surprising parenting advice I can’t live without, #1

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parenting advice.jpg
  1. “Teach your kids honesty about who they are.” I know that a lot of my home culture is concerned about my kids feeling good about who they are—about self-esteem. And trust me, I want to be the first to line up to cheer, The image of God in you is breathtaking. And I love seeing it grow in you. I celebrate what He is sculpting in you. But what I (attempt to) insist on in my kids is that they take responsibility for their own junk.

Now you’re speaking my [love] language: 20 ways to express affection through quality time

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5.Head to an event together--a ball game, a concert, a play, a lecture, a comedian--and grab a bite to eat before or after. 6.Go for a walk or hike together. 7.Exercise together. You might even set a goal (“let’s do P90-X!” “let’s run a 5K!” “Let’s see if we can bench that much by the end of the month!).

Now you’re speaking my love language: 20 ways to display affection through acts of service

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1.Knock out that item on her to-do list she just hasn’t gotten to. 2.What little touches could better make your home a “prepared place”--like God creates for us--that’s comforting, encouraging, and uplifting, so family and guests feel embraced? For guests, it may be the basket of extra toiletries next to the cozy towel in the bathroom; for kids, you could have a favorite snack ready when he arrives home; help him remove his backpack.

Now you’re speaking my [love] language: Showing affection through gifts

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1.The key with communicating in this love language (so I'm told) is to study the recipient well, and communicate your understanding of him or her through the gift. It's not about the size, but the intentional, knowing thoughtfulness, a demonstration of I get you. I see you. 2.Purchase tickets for the event you know he or she would love. 3.Have a cup of coffee (or a favorite morning beverage) ready when he or she comes out in the morning--just the way they like it--or a snack when they arrive home.

Now you’re speaking my [love] language: 20 ways to express affection through physical touch

Reading Time: 2 minutes

1.Put an arm around his or her shoulder. 2.Hug them in the morning, or when they arrive home, or to wish them good night. 3.Sit next to each other while watching a movie. 4.Throw your arms around their neck while they’re sitting in a chair.

Now you’re speaking my [love] language: 20 ideas to show love through words of affirmation

Reading Time: 2 minutes

love languages text

If you’re new to the love languages concept, check out the 5 Love Languages website. And here’s their post on The Power of Affirming Words.

  1. Scrawl a note on a napkin in their lunch: Praying for you today. So proud of you.
  2. Use a dry erase marker on the mirror, or on glazed wall tiles: You rock my world. Thanks for being you.
  3. “I respect you so much for your ability to __.”
  4. Send a text after the big day, meeting, presentation, or test, checking up on how it went and reminding them you were praying. (Set a reminder on your phone or computer if you need help remembering!)
  5. “Even on days when you’re ___, I’m so glad you’re mine.”
  6. “Am I making you feel understood?”
  7. Leave sticky note on their steering wheel or in their backpack. Just to let you know that I love you.
  8. “Your _[personality trait]_ is so just what our family needs.”
  9. Send a love note or, for a child, a letter through the mail, just letting them know what you appreciate about them. Be descriptive and sincere.
  10. Get specific: “You do ___ really well.”
  11. “Tell me more about what that was/is like for you.”
  12. On small strips of paper, write or type things you love about them and great memories you have. Wrap them around individual candies of his or her favorite kind!
  13. “When you did ___ for me, it made my day go so much easier/made my day. Thanks for doing that!”
  14. Remember: Go for quality of words more than quantity. Communicate that when you affirm them, your words aren’t inflated; they’re trustworthy.
  15. “Looking at circumstances, I’m getting the idea that you might not be feeling very ___ lately. Wanted to let you know that I see so much _[character quality]_ in you, and at the risk of sounding corny–I’m proud of you.”
  16. “You make me so happy just by being you.”
  17. Send an e-mail or Facebook message: Just wanted to let you know that I’ve seen the way you’re trying so hard to ___. I love it, and I love you.
  18. “Got a minute to tell me how you’ve been–really? I’d love to get the inside story on what you’ve been thinking about and going through.”
  19. “I respect you so much for the way you ___.”
  20. “I realize you and I haven’t been completely on the same page recently. Just wanted to let you know I’d never trade the privilege of being your[mom/dad/husband/wife]. And I’m totally committed to working on our relationship so we can understand and enjoy each other.”
For more ideas, check out  52 Things to Say to Make Your Child Feel Great and 50 Things to Say to Make Your Husband Feel Great. 

What has someone said to you that made your day–or changed you?

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