DON'T AGGRAVATE YOUR CHILDREN

Recently I attended a basketball tournament for my son. As the game became more intense, several fathers commented on their son's performance.  Comments like:  "You can do better than that," and "Get in there and play harder" and   "That boy is playing much better than you."   

As each father commented, I noticed their son's reaction.  Some would stop and glance angrily at their fathers, while others would spurt off  profanity or display physical aggression against another player. Nevertheless, the comments continued from the fathers until the game finally ended.
 
If you're a father, nothing is wrong with desiring your children to do well in sports or other activities.  But the apostle Paul admonishes fathers to be careful in what they say as they attempt to encourage their children. If you deride your child's abilities, compare them to others, and embarrass their efforts in front of others, your child may become discouraged and quit trying.  Instead, fathers are told to provide words of instruction that are "approved by the Lord" (Ephesians 6:3). Words like "you can do it,"  "good job," "keep trying," or "I'm proud of you" can go a long way in building your child up and helping them become all that you desire them to become.

Happy Father's day,

Jeaninne