Nurturing Great KidsSample

Listen and Soften

A soft heart is a parent’s dream. When our children display a teachable spirit, we can celebrate as parents. If their heart begins to harden, our home can become a very difficult place to be.

When your child develops a hard heart, first try and find out the reason. Usually you’ll find it’s something they are hiding or getting involved with that’s causing this shut down. If they won’t talk to you, then seek the advice of a pastor or professional counselor.

Dealing with hard hearts is not unusual. It’s part of family life. You simply don’t want to see it grow into a deeper issue and then cause more problems in the house.

One of the keys to getting our children to soften their hearts is by displaying a soft heart ourselves. Even if at some point if they do develop a little hardness in their heart, it will hopefully soften again if they see that in you.

Notice Hebrews 3:7–8 says “If you hear his voice.” This means we must be listening to Christ for direction in our lives. Teach your children to seek Christ as they face issues, and he will keep them soft and teachable.

Parenting Principle

When God speaks, listening is learning.

Points to Ponder

How have you made your heart soft and teachable?

What causes your heart to harden?

How are you helping your children develop soft hearts?

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.