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Be Their Greatest Encouragers

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 an international speaker and award-winning author of forty two books including her newest, Mother-Daughter Duet: Getting to the Relationship You Want With Your Adult Daughter, The One Year Women’s Friendship Devotional. She has also authored a number of books for moms like: The Mom You’re Meant to Be, The One Year Women’s Friendship Devotional, the bestselling When Mothers Pray, A Busy Woman’s Guide to Prayer, Connect With Your Grandkids, as well as The One Year Book of Praying Through the Bible. Her books have been translated into many languages and her magazine articles and speaking ministry provide encouragement to moms throughout the U.S. and overseas.

A former Oklahoma Mother of the Year, Cheri has been a frequent guest on “Focus on the Family” and other national radio and TV programs. Her articles on prayer, family, marriage, and children have appeared in Focus on the Family, Family Circle, ParentLife, Guideposts, Today’s Christian Woman, Better Homes & Gardens, and other publications.

Cheri’s passion is encouraging women, mentoring moms, building families, and inspiring and equipping people to connect with God in their busy life so they can impact their kids and their world through prayer. Her ministry and course called “Parenting From Behind Bars” and gives hope and purpose to mothers in prison. She and her husband Holmes have three grown children, six lively grandchildren and live in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Her website, www.cherifuller.com includes a blog, articles, free Bible studies, encouragement, and more.
Search Amazon.com for more books by Cheri Fuller

Read Cheri's Mothering By Heart column at C'Moms

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Be Their Greatest Encouragers

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