Let’s face it, the world can be a pretty ugly and negative place sometimes. You don’t have to look far to find it. So is it possible to raise positive kids in such a negative world?
Amid all that’s wrong with the world, thankfully we get to be a part of what’s right as we instill within the next generation the character and desire to be world-changers.
Raising positive kids in a negative world isn’t easy, but it is possible. Here’s some reminders for how to do it:
MAKE SURE YOUR FAMILY’S FOUNDATION IS ROOTED IN FAITH
Nothing gives us a reason to live positive lives more than the fact we know God is in control, He has a grand purpose for our lives, and we can trust Him.
- Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
LEARN TO POINT OUT THE GOOD EVEN IN THE MIDST OF THE BAD
Nothing raises positive kids better than optimistic parents. In your day to day dealing as a family, choose optimism over pessimism in every situation. Pessimism kills positivity.
- Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
ALWAYS SPEAK WELL OF OTHERS
Learn not to speak negatively of other people in front of your kids. Better yet, simply learn not to speak negatively of other people. Your kids will pick up on this very quickly.
- Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt…
NEVER FORGET THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THAN YOURSELVES
Remember the poor. Help those in need. Pray for those less fortunate. When we help our children remember that we really don’t have it as bad as we think, it’s easier to appreciate what we do have. Guard your children against developing an attitude of entitlement.
- Galatians 2:10 We should remember the poor…
CULTIVATE A FAMILY CULTURE OF THANKFULNESS
Gratitude is the brother of positivity. You’ll have a hard time finding grateful people who aren’t also positive and optimistic people. Don’t allow a spirit of complaining to rear up its ugly head in your family. Help your kids learn to appreciate the small and the big things, the good and the bad.
- I Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God…
While we may not be able to change the entire world around us, God has given us the privilege to change our part of it through our children. May we always be mindful that we are developing world-changers in our homes – godly young people who can take the most positive message there is into a negative world that desperately needs it.
