4 Week Positive Parenting Devotional

Week 1: Simple Strategies that Create a Strong Bond and Happy Kids + A Free Printable!

Many of us are craving more peace and order in our homes, and on the blog, I talk a lot about how decluttering our homes can greatly improve the stress levels of the whole family!

Over the next 4 weeks I want to turn your attention from managing your things to fostering positive relationships with your children. No matter where you are on your parenting journey, those little ones (or young adults) who mean the world to us can also push a whole lot of buttons on any given day! Even the physical peace that we can create from keeping a decluttered home doesn’t seem to help with the power struggles between a teething toddler and parent or take away the hurt caused by a mean remark from an emotional teenager.

Raising children is hard work! There is no “one right way to parent” your child. Together, we are going to dig a little deeper into the current relationships we have with our children and celebrate the good and acknowledge the not so good. Even though we all make mistakes at some point along the way (or, let’s be real… every day!), what really matters is that we are showing up for our children every single day and actively reminding them that they are loved.

The bottom line: our children have value and worth! God has created them uniquely and with a purpose. Our job is a big one, to steward them well and to raise them in a home that is full of life, peace, grace and love. Sometimes it means we need to dig deep and ask big questions. In what areas are we doing well? And, moving forward confidently? In what areas do we struggle and find conflict? How can we partner with our spouse, with God and with our community to navigate through rough waters of parenthood? How can we make sure we celebrate the small wins in our child’s lives?

Today I’m providing you with 4 simple, positive parenting strategies that are research based and effectively create secure and happy kids; and parents who enjoy spending time with them!

1. Set Your Child Up for Success

“Direct your children onto the right path, “and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Proverbs 22:6

One of the best ways that a parent can set up their child for success is by giving them clear expectations. Have a conversation with your child before you get to the park or grocery store and tell them exactly what to expect, acknowledge pain points openly and create a strategy for success. 

Speak to your child at eye level and have them look at you and repeat what you have told them to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Establish a pattern of setting healthy boundaries and consistently follow through with reasonable consequences if the boundaries are not respected.  Setting limits speaks to what you believe your child is capable of but reminds them that you will keep them safe, which provides a sense of security and safety in children. This limit setting will naturally increase as your child gets older. 

Think about the best time of day to complete certain tasks with your child. (For example, grocery shopping with a tired, hungry toddler is a recipe for disaster!). But, sometimes life happens, and you have no other choice, which is when purse snacks come in really handy! 

2.Be Self Aware

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23  (NLT)

I love the grace that we can freely tap into that comes from a loving Heavenly Father who wants us to succeed! Here are a few ways to be self aware when that next power struggle or temper tantrum shows up.

Counting down and taking a few deep breaths before responding: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 … can work miracles in helping us to respond versus react to our children. 

Try not to take it personally – children are not able to regulate their emotions the same as adults can. Staying calm and speaking to what you believe your child is capable of but reminding him or her of the consequence for choosing not to obey will help to de-escalate versus escalate a situation.

Learn your triggers: and work to eliminate them! (Do you need to wake up a few minutes earlier than your kids and drink your morning coffee to be in a good head space, is a messy house causing you stress, are you not getting enough sleep, or do you have too much on your plate?)

Remember, your child will model your behaviour. Pray, pray, pray and ask God for patience. Patience is actually a fruit of the spirit, which is what God blesses us with through the Holy Spirit. All you need to do is ask!

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

3. Timing is Key with Discipline

It is important to be sensitive to our children if and when they get into the “red zone.” Do not try to correct and teach but rather try to seek to understand. Supportive comments such as, “I’m here, I see you are upset, do you need a cool down time or a hug from mom?” can work wonders to calm a very upset child down. Talk over the situation when your child is calm.

Here is an encouraging verse referring to the power of a father’s commands and mother’s instruction:

“For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.” Proverbs 6:23 (NLT)

4. Celebrate Small Wins

I love focusing on the good things that my kids do! Introducing a simple “Positive Tracking Chart” for young children is a great way to reward good choices. Every time you catch them making a great choice in an area they need extra support and guidance, have them choose a sticker to add to their chart. 

You can talk with your child about working toward family fun goals when they reach their goal: a bike ride, trip to the park, a visit to the library, an ice cream date, or playing a game together are all great ideas!

Just as we are often ready to correct, let’s also be quick to reward positive behaviours!

Here is an Encouraging Positive Parenting

FREE Printable for you:

You can click HERE to print it!

This week spend some time reflecting on some of the pain points in your parenting journey. Aim to add a few of these positive parenting strategies into your tool kit.

Set aside 10 minutes to talk with your spouse about the strategies you are planning to try and choose to get on the same page.

Commit your plans to the Lord and ask for the fruits of the spirit to flow out of you as you parent this week!

Praying for a week of refreshing and positive connection with your kids!