One of the things that shocks parents the most is how fast their children grow. Just a few years ago, they were preparing to go into Nursery, today you are preparing for their Matriculation. Hmmmm, how time flies and like the English rhymes, tick tick tick says the clock, what you have to do, do quick. Yesterday, we talked about dating our spouses, today, we shall talk about dating our children. If you are a parent, you may not understand the impact of this if you never experienced it as a child. It is that opportunity you get to invest a special one-to-one time with your child, doing what he/she loves. “One to one? Common, I have 5 children”. Yes, we understand that managing your schedule is already an uphill task, but you need to find a way around investing one-to-one time with each child, without creating favouritism.
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Isaiah 43:1. In the above scripture, God was asserting the fact that He decided to build a personal relationship with Jacob, calling him by name. Your name carries your identity, individuality, personality and character. Hence, as parents, there is the need to build a relationship with each child, we must develop the habit of investing time to know each child intimately, not just as a part of a group. Some time ago, we watched a video on YouTube of a man taking his daughter out on a date, it was one of the most wonderful sights ever. Take out time to schedule regular dates with your daughter(s) and son(s), let them know how important they are, how much you love them, how much you believe in them, etc. This would build their self esteem more than you can imagine.
THINK & ACT: You can choose to do it on their birthdate every month, giving them the freedom to choose the activity or the parent they want to date per time. It is a time to show love, affirm them and celebrate them, not to discuss their poor grades :-).
Chidi & Victor Akunna
Relationship Catalysts
Connected Hearts Daily Devotional (C) 2016
360 Dating Series 034
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Twitter: @FamilyAffairs05
www.foundationforfamilyaffairs.org
…enjoy blissful romance.
Photo Credit: Viralslot
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Thank God for leading me to take each of my daughters out on their first date ever on their special day. “Dad’s day out with his daughter” it was so special for both of us. We ate together alone and talked about her mainly and her dreams for the future and had a good time.
Wow! What a great dad you are. This absolutely models the principle of today’s devotional. Thanks for sharing Sir.