Here in the Long house, we’re always working to improve our parenting and relationships positively. We read new books, watch videos, follow great professionals on social media, listen to podcasts and pray, pray, pray.
Learning new, healthier ways to interact as a family is a long-term, ongoing goal in our home. If we learn these tools now and teach them to our kids, we’re hoping unhealthy behaviors can stop now with this generation.
With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can be cycle breakers. Positive parenting takes work, and I frequently make mistakes. But, I also want to own those mistakes, apologize and start over again. Maybe you’d like to commit to being a more positive parent. If so, I want to share this 30-day positive parenting challenge.
Isa. 41:10 tells us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
30-Day Parenting Challenge
- Choose one thing to do together as a family this month.
- Challenge yourself to go one whole day without yelling.
- Show your child you love them by giving them a hug today.
- Give your child a kiss goodnight.
- Take a deep breath and remind yourself that they’re still kids.
- Buy or make your child’s favorite dessert.
- Leave a note in your child’s lunch or backpack today.
- Plan a fun spring vacation activity.
- Picture yourself from when you were your child’s age; remember how you felt at that age.
- Focus on joy today.
- Give your child words of praise.
- Pray for wisdom and strength.
- Don’t complain all day.
- Remind yourself that being a parent is a gift.
- Remind yourself to be firm but not harsh when it comes to your kids.
- Imagine your child 15 years from now; keep this in mind throughout your day.
- Laugh with your kid today.
- Who is your parenting role model? What qualities do they possess that make them a great parent?
- Teach your kid something to do on his/her own.
- Focus on patience today.
- Forgive your child when they mess up today.
- Think about how you want your children to remember you.
- Replace criticism with love today.
- Don’t interrupt your child when they talk.
- Ask your kid for their opinion.
- Encourage your child today.
- Do something for your health today.
- Teach your child something new today.
- Turn off your phone, computer or whatever is distracting you today.
- Focus on love today.
We are told in Rom. 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
You can edit the challenge to better fit your family’s needs, but dedicate 30 days to becoming a more positive parent. Add them to the calendar you look at each day. Make new habits and build a closer relationship with your children. Our children are a gift from God and they are truly our first ministry. Won’t you commit to making better choices, for them and you, this year?
