30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family
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 If you watched Sean Hannity last night you saw Rebecca Hagelin talking about her new book that provides 30 concrete actions parents can take to raise kids who will tower
above the pop culture. Rebecca also highlights many resources to help family
members build their faith including Passing the Baton and my book, Handoff.
Rebecca did a terrific job with 30 Ways in 30
Days to Save Your Family. While it is
geared towards parents, it is a wonderful book for grandparents, teachers,
small groups, Sunday School classes and anyone that works with young people.
Rebecca is a Senior Communications Fellow for The
Heritage Foundation and has been a pro-family advocate in Washington for over
20 years. When a person who shares our worldview is bold enough to
write a book to help others navigate the difficult waters of today's culture,
we need to support them. When publishers see that books like Rebecca's succeed,
more of them will be published. You can buy it through Amazon to get a 30% discount. Order here. |
| Ten Simple Ways to Set the Example for Kids |
Rebecca Hagelin's new book came out today. It's entitled 30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family. I've read the advance copy and found it to be full of simple, practical advice for strengthening family relationships.
As Rebecca states, "We're aiming for something higher: to turn the next generation into men and women of pride and accomplishment and to help them become the people that God intends them to be."
Here are ten ways to set the example for kids starting today:
- Always model honesty and truth. There is no difference between a "little white lie" and a "big fat lie" and our kids know it. If you are even a "tad bit" dishonest in your speech or actions you are modeling complete dishonesty.
- Speak up when you see or hear something wrong. Don't assume that kids will understand that something is wrong. When you encounter something that offends your values, let your child know how you feel and why.
- Let your kids see you reading good material. Children and teens notice what their parents read. Look for quality books of history, faith, and fiction and make it a point to let your kids see you reading them.
- Show good sportsmanship. Teach your kids how to win and how to lose. A good winner doesn't gloat (although a little good-natured ribbing is okay), and a good loser doesn't pitch a fit, but is gracious and congratulates the winner.
- Be a good listener. If you're always lecturing instead of listening, chances are your kids will avoid having these one-way conversations with you. Ask questions, avoid immediate negative reactions, and try to make it natural.
- When you make a mistake, apologize. There's nothing wrong with saying, "Honey, I'm sorry I lost my temper like that." That itself sets a good example, reminding them that they shouldn't let pride interfere with doing what's right.
- Don't whine! Be bold and vocal about what is wrong--and then work to change it if you can. But never, ever, endlessly whine and complain around your kids. If you do, you'll get whining in return.
- Learn to forgive--and forget. Nothing will destroy a human being faster than bitterness. Your children will be harmed by many people in their lives, and how they learn to deal with it depends largely on you.
- Mind your manners. Consistently bad behavior in public reveals what is permitted at home. Always practice kindness and thoughtfulness--open the door for others and go out of your way to be helpful.
- Be generous. Show your kids that you don't wait for the government to tax you to help others. Give freely of your blessings, whether in money, time, kindness or displaying a cheerful spirit.
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