Like a mirror, you can reflect your children’s behavior and character back to them

One of the biggest ways our children learn about themselves is by us being honest with them about what we see in them. It’ being a mirror to your children. We need to be alert and listening to our children daily, so that we can know their attitudes and where they are growing in the Lord.

Some real life examples

When we hear them speak unkindly to their brother, we need to get right on it, as soon as we can, to tell them what we just heard. We need to tell them that their tone for example, sounded angry, irritated or proud. Sometimes what they are wanting to say is fine, but it is how they say it that is the sin. It’s how they say it that shows their heart’s attitude.We need to encourage them to make it right with their brother, right then. If we don’t bring it to their attention (being a mirror), they will never know how unkind they are coming across or that their words were wrong to say. When we do this we are also giving them the opportunity to repent of their sin, which brings cleansing from all unrighteousness, (1 John 1:9).

We might hear our children forgiving a friend over the phone. Or we might see them serve their sister by bringing her something she needs. When we see these kinds of positive things, we need to get right on it, as soon as we can, to tell them what we see in their heart (being a mirror). They need to hear that we are so proud of them for forgiving their friend even though it was very hurtful. They need us to tell them that they were loving them just like Jesus would. Our children need to know that we saw how they served their sister, and that they were letting Jesus live through them at that moment.

A mirror reflects the truth

No matter the situation, our children need to hear the truth about themselves. If you do this from a very young age, you will also be helping your child to develop a humble heart. This is because you’ll help them to avoid going through life thinking one way when the truth is really another way. Your child is learning to have sober judgement about themselves, (Romans 12:3). They are knowing the truth of their own behavior.

Each time you talk with them, you have an opportunity to use what God thinks as your guideline, teaching them how to correct their wrong behavior or how to be encouraged in their right behavior.

You as a mother, are being a mirror to them, showing them what is really in their heart. As you depend on the Lord’s wisdom, you will be training up wise children who aren’t afraid to say they are wrong or to admit the work that the Lord is doing in their lives.

What are ways that you can see that parents can be a mirror to their children? Leave your comments below…

by