As a parent of a teenage daughter, I am familiar with the path of parenting. One of the most powerful parenting tools is the power of affirmation.
God the Father affirmed His Son Jesus in Luke 3:22, setting the pace for Jesus’ earthly ministry to fulfill the will of the Father. What we say over our children carries a lot of weight because our words shape our children into the people that God wants them to be. Those words should be a reflection that they are fearfully and wonderfully made sons and daughters of the King (Psalm 139). Asking God for eyes to see our children through His eyes helps us, as parents, to speak words of truth into our children’s lives.
Along the way, I have learned that children are like sponges that soak up the messages that are spoken. They need regular encouraging, inspiring, and uplifting words. The messages that we speak over our children have the potential to lead them closer to God or cause them to pull away from their God-given value. By simply saying, “I love you, I am pleased with you, and I pray God’s absolute best for your life” speaks volumes to children to help launch them on their path of purpose and destiny.
Here are 3 things that I have learned that every parent can do to positively affirm their children:
- Set aside time each day to affirm your children. Spend valuable time to speak words of blessings over your children. I’ve found that these meeting times with my daughter are filled with love and powerful moments that navigate the course of her future. It is during these times that I am guiding her with my affirmation to consider all the great things that God wants to do through her to be a blessing.
- Affirm your children in front of others. Speaking affirming words and special blessings openly lets your children know that you value and honor them. Using family time is a great time to speak and pray blessings over your children! When I speak openly about my daughter, I share the greatness I see within her, how God will use her as a vessel of honor, and encourage her to continue pursuing God’s plan for her life.
- Surprise them. Random acts of love and kindness mean doing something awesome that your children were not expecting. It speaks to their hearts as affirmation. Taking my daughter on unplanned day trips, lunches to her favorite restaurant, or to special events that she has talked about shows my appreciation, letting her know that I am proud of the godly young woman that she is becoming.
Our children are destined to do great things for God! What other ways can you think of to affirm your children?