4 Ways To Help Your Children Keep Their Promises

             As Christian parents, it is important for us to raise our children to know and understand the importance of making and keeping promises.  Psalm 145:13 tells us unequivocally that God is trustworthy in all His promises.  That means we can rely on His Word all the time – not just sometimes.  A promise should not be something that is idlely made as once it is given, the person making the promise needs to follow through. 

            How can you instill in your children the importance of keeping their promises?  Here are 4 ways to consider:

1. Model to them what it is to be a promise keeper.  It takes character and integrity.  I frequently say that children do as we do, not as we say.  Do you make idle promises?  When you make a promise, do you not follow through?  Do you make a excuses for not fulfilling a promise?  Our children observe our behavior, and no matter what we say, they will imitate our actions.

2. Let your children know from an early age that they must be accountable and hold them to that expectation.  When they make a promise, be there to help them follow through to ensure that they live up to what they say.  If no one holds them accountable and expects the best of them, they will likely not follow through and get into the habit of making “excuses” to justify their inactions.  Don’t let that happen!

3. Look for teachable moments and discuss them with your children.  When a relative or friend follows through on a promise, be sure to discuss that with your children.  When a character in a movie or television show, makes and keeps a promise, point that out to your children and talk about it.  

   Additionally, there are many good children’s books about keeping promises, both Christian and secular.  Spend some fun time with your children reading and talking about them.

4. Give them praise when they fulfill their promises.  Let them know that you are aware of what is happening and what they have done and are proud of their accomplishment. 

For more information, please visit these websites:

https://www.allprodad.com/8-ways-to-ensure-your-children-keep-their-word/

https://www.primroseschools.com/blog/keeping-promises-how-to-teach-integrity-to-your-preschooler/

Inspirational Back to School Quotes for Your Children – Build Honesty

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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8 NLT

This is my third blog post for the month of September on back to school inspirational quotes for your children. Today, I would like to stress the importance of honesty.  Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  John 14:6.  Since He is the Truth and our example, we should strive to be truthful in all that we say and do.  

Being honest all the time is not easy.  When your children are in school, there will be times that they will be asked questions.  Will they speak the truth or lie?  Help them to be bold in honesty.  In doing so, it’s important to remember that your children are watching and listening to you.  If you do not tell the truth, it will be difficult for your children to do so.  Be a role model of integrity for them.