‘OUTSIDE, OUTSIDE!?!’ is what gets yelled at me when I walk in the door to my brother’s house. I have a four nieces and nephews under the age of three. They’re all both very cute and very full of energy! They love playing with Monster Trucks and playing outside. So much so, that as soon as I arrive to babysit they say “Aunty Rach, OUTSIDE!!’. So, of course we go outside to play.
One morning I fell over on the grass and scraped my knee. Being a bit silly I said “Oh, my knee!” holding it tight. The boys thought it was the funniest thing. They then both fell over, holding their knees repeating ‘Oh, my knee!’. Giggling away it was repeated about 10 times to get more giggles.
More than presents or TV time, little people and young people alike are desperate for our time and attention. If you listen to their dialogue it’s easy to pick up. They cherish so deeply the times you spend alongside them. Sometimes outside on our knees, but also inside side by side. And despite the teenage angst you might be met with by the older ones, they too long for your love, time and affection.
I know there are some days when you feel like pulling your hair out, because nothing seems to be working. But being intentional with your child, walking with them through the valleys, and rejoicing in the mountain tops alongside them is pivotal in their growth!
Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Thank you for being intentional in investing in your child. Walking side by side, having a listening ear, holding the line with device use, playing outside with them, and loving them are all types of training. Our job as parents and educators is to love on them, listen to them and guide them. Thank you for training up your children in the way they should go!
Rachel Baker
