Raising Positive Kids In a Negative World

By Chris Lindberg

As I sat at my desk lost in thought and study, all of a sudden I heard the sound of children. I spun around in my office chair to look out of my home office window. It was like a steady stream of moms and kids walking, skipping, laughing, biking, running even rollerblading home.

As I looked at all the boys and girls, I thought of your children and teens including my little Blakely and Nash. There are few gifts, which God gives us that are as valuable as our children. So what can we do to maximize our effects as parents on our kids? In a word, what steps can you take to raise positive kids in a negative world?

A few years ago I read the great words written by Dr. Ken Lehman. He wrote them as if a child were speaking to his or her parent. I have found them to be very helpful as Tatum and I raise our children, in fact we actually have them hanging in our kitchen. So as they have helped us, I’m persuaded they can help you too. Here they are:

01. My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; slow down so that I can keep up with you.

02. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; let me explore it safely; don’t restrict me unnecessarily.

03. Housework will always be there. I’m little only for a short time. Take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

04. My feelings are tender; don’t nag me all day long (you would not want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness). Treat me as you would like to be treated.

05. I am a special gift from God; reassure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and discipling me in a loving manner.

06. I need your encouragement (but not your empty praise) to grow. Go easy on the criticism; remember you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

07. Give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I’ll be prepared to make the decisions life will require of me.

08. Don’t do things over for me; that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t measure up to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but don’t compare me with my brother or sister.

09. Don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacation from parents, and parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is something special.

10. Take me to church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.

Wow, those are some really great words of advice! And the good news is that the Holy Spirit will give you wisdom, strength, and courage to put those words into practice. You see, as a parent you’re not on your own; the Lord is with you no matter if your child is 2 or 28, God is with you.

So what should you do now? Well why not start putting these into practice today. Don’t wait for tomorrow or think you’ve waited too long. It’s never too late to begin doing what’s right.

About Chris Lindberg
Known for his easy to duplicate creativity and respected for his achievement. Chris has devoted over a decade of his life to serve the local church as he has ministered to teens, families and ministry leaders. Under his leadership his former student ministry mushroomed from 35 students to become a vibrant group of over 600 in less than five years.

Currently, Chris now serves as an assistant pastor to Blaine Bartel at Northstar Church, an active and thriving church plant in the North Dallas community of Frisco, TX. It is here that he continues to lead and direct the student ministry of Arora as well as oversee Northstar’s creative department.

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