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Key Bible Verse: The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have wise children (Proverbs 23:24). Bonus Reading: Psalm 128:1-6

Imagine yourself as an eight-year-old Charlie, lying in bed one night. You can hear your dad and mom talking in the next room. "You know," your dad says, "I've been thinking about Charlie." Your ears perk up. You feel your heart begin to pound. What's Dad going to say about me? You wonder.

He continues, "I couldn't be prouder of our son. What a special kid he is. Just today he …" For the next few minutes you hear your dad say good things about you. There's no way to describe how good this moment feels.

When our children were small, we tried to say good things about them to others—even when our kids weren't around. And we encouraged them to do the same with each other. Imagine the impact of hearing that your sibling was bragging on you?

One way we encouraged good attitudes and conduct in our children was to endorse other children to them. "Did you notice how Jennifer set the table without her mother asking?" you say to your child. "She's such a nice helper."

You've just given your child a specific thing that he can do to please you. And you've done it without endlessly bleating about the need for good manners.

—Robert Wolgemuth in The Most Important Place on Earth

My Response: I'll look for occasions to brag on my son or daughter—and do so.

Thought to Apply: Children need more than food, shelter, and clothing. The bottom line is: Every child needs at least one person who's crazy about him.—FRAN STOTT

Adapted from The Most Important Place on Earth (Nelson, 2004) by permission.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, the pressures of raising a family can make me come across as a policeman more than a loving parent. Please help me to communicate the love I feel.

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