Parent to Parent By Jodie Lynn
Moments for Mom By Elisabeth Corcoran
Ask A Twin Mommy By Cheryl Lage
Mothering By Heart By Cheri Fuller
Jelly Mom By Lisa Barker
Family Check-up By Sheila Wray Gregoire
Simplifying Motherhood By Trish Berg
Making the Most of Marriage By Paula Friedrichsen
Be Their Greatest Encouragers
By Cheri Fuller
www.cherifuller.com
Having taught, worked and prayed with children and teenagers for over thirty years, plus raising our own three children who are now parents themselves and grandparenting six wonderful grandkids who light up my life, I have a great respect for the amazing learning and spiritual potential of young people. In addition, I greatly enjoy kids’ creativity and humor, and the way they see life—which is sometimes a little different than we adults see things. I’m so grateful for children’s wonder and the blessings they bring to not only parents, teachers, and grandparents, but all those around them.
Sometimes in our effort to improve our children’s behavior or performance at school or home, as mothers we speak more negative than positive words to them. In fact, research shows mothers say ten negative to every one positive comment to kids. There are many discouragers in the world your children will encounter, but you have been given the privilege of being encouragers, building them up instead of tearing them down.
Lana, a young woman who as a teenager was given a national award, “The Brain of England,” was asked by reporters what the secret of her academic success. They thought surely her parents pushed her to achieve or gave her all the advantages. But Lana told them that what fueled her effort was the constant atmosphere of encouragement in her home. When she or her sister had an idea, their parents supported and encouraged them. They appreciated the unique way their daughters were gifted and gave them opportunities to try new things—and never put them down for failing.
That’s a key for us as mothers: to be grateful for each of our children, even their quirks and what looks like “negative” characteristics (like bossiness, which is actually a sign in childhood of administrative talent, that is, a kid who could grow up and be a CEO, or argumentativeness, the sign in early life of analytical ability). And then to express that gratitude through encouraging words and actions.
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© Cheri Fuller, 2003-
Cheri Fuller is a wife, mother, inspirational speaker, and an award-winning author of 30 books including her newest, The School Saavy Kids Series, (which includes Raising Motivated Kids, School Starts at Home, and Talkers, Watchers & Doers); The Mom You're Meant to Be: Loving Your Kids While Leaning on God; Fearless: Building a Faith That Overcomes Your Fear; Motherhood 101: Ideas and Inspiration to Be a Great Mom, and others.
A former teacher, Cheri loves to encourage moms and her desire to renew women's hearts and build families has inspired her messages and magazine articles which provide hope and encouragement to women throughout the U.S. and other countries. Her books have gone into many languages because moms all over the world want the best for their children. Cheri speaks at women's conferences and events for women and mothers throughout the year and is a frequent guest on national radio and TV programs. Cheri was an education and parenting writer for Family Circle for a number of years. Visit her online at cherifuller.com!
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