Children

I see my children as people God has entrusted to me, not possessions to manage

I take my children's questions and feelings seriously rather than dismissing them

I understand that my presence matters more to my children than my performance

I get down to my child's level and look them in the eye when I talk with them

I tell my children specifically what I see in them that reflects God's image

I pray with my children out loud so they hear me talking to God about them

I separate my child's behavior from their worth — they are always loved, even when corrected

I check whether I am parenting out of fear of what others think or out of love for my child

I do not give up on a prodigal child — I keep the door open and keep praying

I discipline calmly and explain why, rather than reacting out of anger or embarrassment

I apologize to my child when I have been wrong — it teaches them more than a lecture

I keep showing up even when they push me away — presence is the message