7 Biblical Ways to Motivate and Encourage Your Child.

All Children……

1. Thrive on Encouragement.
2. Need to Learn from Their Mistakes.
3. Need Realistic Expectations.
4. Need Positive Affirmations.
5. Small Achievable Goals.
6. To be Praised where it is Due.
7. Need to Learn to Speak Positively.

1. Children Thrive on Encouragement.

My children start the day proclaiming, ‘I am God’s favorite!’

It is my responsibility to make sure that I teach them to turn to God when they are feeling down, disheartened or discouraged.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).

When my children feel anxious, I encourage them to talk to me and share their concerns. Firstly, I ask, ‘Have you talked to God about it?’ My children are learning to seek God in everything they do or need.

In most cases, once you have established what your child’s problem is, a solution isn’t far behind.

As parents, we need to be there for our children and be in tune with how they’re feeling emotionally. Through our guidance, they will develop a long-lasting relationship with God. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit will keep pointing us in the right direction.

I love the fact that I am the one motivating and encouraging my children daily as they do their studies or sports.

‘Safe, for a child, is their parent’s hand, hold them tight’.

2. Children Need to Learn from Their Mistakes.

Training a child not to fear failure is as difficult as training a child to win!

One motto in our house is: ‘If you commit to something, give it your best and leave the rest to God’.

We tell them that if they don’t achieve what they set out to do, then they should learn from the situation and move on. We don’t use the word ‘failure’, as we try to be positive in all we are attempting to achieve. I like to encourage my children to have a go at most things unless it’s not safe for them to do it.  Instead of ‘you can’t do that,’ I prefer to say, ‘Give it a go and see what happens’.   

An example of this is when Murray John (at 7 years old) wanted to commentate via loudspeaker at a horse polo tournament. We encouraged him to try, so he did, and now he loves it and commentates regularly. By pushing children out of their comfort zone, they grow and develop.

3. Children Need Realistic Expectations.

Children need to learn to lose, before they learn to win! It’s how they handle the losing that will eventually make them winners!

Setting realistic expectations is a topic we discuss before any sporting event. Our children are very competitive, so I often need to explain that whilst they should always try their best, they need to accept that others may perform better on the day. Their challenges should involve learning and growing as people and not just aiming to achieve top results.

I’m teaching them that they should keep their eyes on their long-term goals, as children are very absorbed in the present moment. I always encourage them to work hard, train hard, and do their best. Our young children are still working on these basics, learning from their mistakes and trying to do better each time.

 Always remember, our love and pride in our children should not change with the results of their achievements.

4. Children Need Positive Affirmation.

Do not allow fear to overtake your child. With confidence comes self-belief and then success.

Positive affirmation is always the best, regardless of how small the goal is. Prayer and careful analysis of the hurdle ahead, whether it be a school test or sports competition, helps a child to overcome the fear of taking on the task. This process frees them to focus on and complete the challenging task ahead. Keep in mind that in all areas of our children’s lives, we need to use difficult situations to help instill Godly values.

5. Children Need Small Achievable Goals.

Always highlight the child’s talents and look for opportunities to point out their successes.

 To make things less overwhelming for them, set small, achievable goals within a larger task, so that they can start to recognize their progress.

For example: when my children are faced with a large tennis competition, I try to get them to see each game as just one step. Once that game is over, they need to learn from it, before taking the next step, as they gradually move towards their goal of trying to win the tournament. By focusing on the immediate task, they don’t get overwhelmed by the whole competition. 

We also need to instill in each child a sense that they are responsible for their own achievements and should not blame a third party if they don’t succeed.

Whilst we all get discouraged from time to time, God does not wish nor desires His people to walk off the job.

Always make sure that your child finishes whatever they start. Another method of encouragement is to promise a reward upon completion of the task, which gives the child something to look forward to.

I offered Murray John a small, inexpensive watch, if he could get his horse to canter during his horse-riding dressage test. He was so determined to get the watch, that he made sure that he cantered during his test, even though he thought it was beyond his capabilities.

By showing determination and with a reward as an incentive, he was able to get himself out of his comfort zone and grow in confidence.

6. Children Need to be Praised Where it is Due.

Remember, we all have bad days, so expect them and accept them, but don’t dwell on them.

Whenever a child achieves something worthwhile, be it something minor or major, praise him or her sincerely. 

Let praise always be on your lips!

 “By the word of your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer” (Psalms 17:4).  

7. Children Need to Learn to Speak Positively.

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

Encourage your children to speak positively.

This is very important, as children can easily be crushed. We should never knock them down by speaking negative words over them.  Listen to how they speak, and show them by your example, how to see life through a positive lens.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).

Always remind your children that God is our source of refreshment, support, motivation and encouragement.

Teach your child to get everything they require from Him and then give of what He has so graciously given to them. God knows the answers to everything and we are so blessed to have Him to guide us.

Prayer: Heavenly father please guide me to always speak positive words over my children. Help me to train them, through your Word, to speak words of hope, health, encouragement, and life.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

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How do you encourage your child?……….Please leave a comment below.