“I want to quit!” “I can’t do this any more!” “It’s too hard!” Let’s be honest. We’ve all probably said these sentences at some point and so will our kids. Unfortunately though, if we allow our kids to quit every time life gets a little tough, they won’t develop perseverance.
Perseverance is an important Christian life skill. Being a Christian is tough at times. It’s not easy to keep doing what God wants you to do – especially when you are young and it makes you seem different than your peers. Perseverance can help your kids make godly choices more consistently. Even the Apostle Paul compared living the Christian life to running a race – you have to finish – quitting can’t be an option. (Acts 20)
So what can you do to help your kids develop this godly character trait? Here are my top ten tips.
- Help your child list some goals, including spiritual goals.
- Regularly pray with your child about his/her goals.
- Remind your child God is in control, loves him/her more than he/she can understand and has all knowledge and wisdom.
- Encourage your child to focus on doing the next right, godly thing while working toward his/her goals.
- Help your child rebound from setbacks, mistakes and failures as he/she works toward goals. Remind him/her that perseverance is continuing on the right path in spite of problems or a delay in achieving success.
- Encourage your child to remain hopeful about his/her goals and especially about God’s promises.
- Teach your child to resist worrying about possible future obstacles and problems.
- Encourage your child to continue taking any actions needed toward achieving goals— no matter how long it may take.
- Celebrate every step toward achieving your child’s goals.
- Remind your child to continue studying scripture and praying as he/she works on the various goals in order to keep the goals in line with God’s will.
Teaching your kids about perseverance requires perseverance from you, too – allowing you to grow and improve as well!