May 27, 2010
This month we have been examining different elements of “success” for a students, with a focus on the healthy development of the body, the maturing of the mind, will and emotions, and then the growth found in the realm of the spirit. Many of these things that cannot be easily tested or reported on, especially with a simple report card.
However, just because some of these areas are difficult to assess does not mean that you as a parent should be unaware of your child’s progress and success, as well as challenges. If you are blessed to have a wise teacher in your child’s classroom, or better yet one who is also committed to Christ, listen to them. They have been with your son or daughter for hours and hours, in many challenging settings. They have usually seen years of classes come and go, with an awareness of the great diversity of God’s creation that we call “normal.”
Teachers can tell fairly quickly whether or not a parent is open to an honest and objective appraisal, apart from the standard report card. Be deliberate in asking for the insights of these educational professionals, and then take what they say seriously. Nothing discourages an insightful teacher more than a parent who does not wish to hear the truth about their child’s progress. God can use such a conversation to alert you to areas of challenge and need, as well as success, in your child’s life.
By the time this broadcast airs, summer will be upon us. “Vacation months” must not be a time for losing the ground your child has gained in the areas we have examined. Urge them to try out new ways to explore their physical strength and skills. Make sure that they keep their mind fit with opportunities to read, research and explore for the answers to their questions. Be deliberate in helping them exercise the good decision-making that comes from a disciplined will. Talk through their emotional challenges, especially in the realms of conflict, fears and worry. You want your son or daughter to come back to school next fall with the teachers remarking, “My how that child has grown up over the summer!”
In all these things, children are most likely to develop body, soul and spirit successfully if they see the adults in their life deliberately choosing activities that will do the same for them. You want your son to read more. Dad, do they ever see you reading? You want her to overcome a fierce temper or a worrying spirit. Mom, does she see you making progress in those areas? You are concerned about your child’s physical fitness. Do they see you exercising or watching what you eat? You are not sure if they are developing in their prayer life. Could you ask them to join you in yours, to see what real intercession looks like?
No report card is a measure of who your child truly is in God’s sight. And many areas of development cannot really be graded. But growth and success is important. Has your child made progress this year?
Our broadcast today was sponsored by Our broadcast today was sponsored by G-Force Consulting of Bemidji, specializing in off-road electric vehicle development. Check them out at gforceconsulting.com