Encouraging Good Attitudes
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Column Host
MaryAnn Gaver |
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
—Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
In teaching our children, how do we cultivate good attitudes such as gratefulness or service to others? Parents, it starts with us. Our children will copy our behavior and adopt our attitudes. So, let us be the example.
Here are some tips for building good attitudes in the home:
- Focus on Christ and His word. Ask Him to give you the right attitude toward others and toward your daily work.
- Cultivate an attitude of service by doing things for other people.
- Concentrate on being agreeable
and pleasant with your own family members.
- Build cooperation among siblings by noticing and encouraging them when they work well together or show kindness to one another.
- Deal with bad attitudes as soon as they surface. Be firm, decide on consequences, and nip them in the bud!
As we look to Christ as our example, we will become better examples to our children. Once again, it starts with us. So start modeling a good attitude today!
MaryAnn Gaver and her husband, Jay, have been homeschooling their twin sons for seven years.
 www.comstock.com
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PARENTS, IT STARTS WITH
US. OUR CHILDREN WILL
COPY OUR BEHAVIOR AND
AND ADOPT OUR ATTITUDES.
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“A is for Attitude”
We use three techniques to work on attitude. First, we teach our children that obedience has three components: it must be immediate, complete, and cheerful. When we ask our children to do something, we always watch those areas. If even one is lacking, we administer discipline appropriate to the offense, or ask them to do it over, paying particular attention to the deficient area. Another technique we use is constant check-ups on their “attitude of gratitude.” We use daily teaching moments to discuss those who are less fortunate than we or to put a positive spin on an experience where they may be feeling slighted. But the most important technique is the check we use on ourselves, as parents. It’s impossible to raise children to have a good attitude if yours is “subpar” to your expectations. That one is probably the most challenging, but most important, technique of all!
by Pat F. / Albany, GA
Share Your Tips
This column is designed to feature teaching tips, encouragement, and advice from homeschooling parents.
Our topic for the July/August issue is “Using sports and games in teaching.” Tell us about important lessons you have taught through the use of sports or games. Send us a brief description (150 words or less). Submissions may be edited for space. Mail submissions to:
Attn: Parent to Parent, HSLDA
P.O. Box 3000
Purcellville, VA 20134
Or email us (include “Parent to Parent” in the subject line) at ComDept@hslda.org
Please include your name and address. Submission deadline is 3/31/09.
