Fostering a Sense of Family

Current needs in today’s families… divorce care for kids debt management coping with ADD, ADHD, and other exceptional learners bully-proofing your kids addressing peer pressure understanding the impact of media imaging and marketing targeting children

Cultural Influences Children see 40,000 images in advertising media a year communicating mixed messages They are outside of the home for 6 to 71/2 hours per day in the educational system Monday- Friday 52% of all marriages end in divorce By the time they are teenagers their friends often have more of an influence in decision making than parents What can be done to strengthen their sense of family? What can be done within the family unit to provide Godly counsel and guidance to our children?

The Power of Forgiveness Addressing the past for hope for the future It is not easy to forgive abuse or neglect Forgiveness is not dismissing what was done to wrong you, but releasing the hurt caused to God in order to be healed. The closer you are to having a clean slate, the closer you are to being able to strengthen your own family unit.

Four Easy Steps Establish a Solid Heritage Foster Positive Attitudes Promote Family Affection Start Family Traditions

Establish a Solid Heritage An essential element in giving direction to your children Children need a sense of who they are and where they come from The trend of dysfunctional families (more specifically blaming dysfunctional families) provides a grim and bleak heritage for the next generation

Deficiency the Ground of Opportunity Humble dependence on God- learning to submit and trust God for His provision Eternal Heritage- Kingdom mindness Our True Paternal Heritage- “But you have received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, Abba Father.” Romans 8:15 Family Heritage- the church family

A Heritage of Hope Children need a sense of who they are and where they come from In your resource pk. Media Statistics and Strategies Articles from Bible study on Self-image/Worth Debt management handouts, articles, Bible study and web resources

Be Positive and Focus on the Good Focus on the positive aspects of your childhood Don’t talk negatively about your own family, let your words be full of grace and seasoned with salt. Consider what is age appropriate when it comes to revealing family secrets especially in cases of divorce You could be the greatest parent on earth, but no one measures up to our Heavenly Father No matter what issues you are dealing with God is bigger and able to handle what ever comes your way.

Biblical Counseling No matter what issues you are dealing with God is bigger and able to handle what ever comes your way. His Word is full of relevant life applicable scripture In your resource pk… coping with ADD, ADDHD and other exceptional learners Biblical Counseling resources applies to all exceptional learners

Support within the church… Sunday School- Godly wisdom vs.. intelligence and performance midweek- fellowship vs. friendship Children’s Church- worship and service vs. achievement volunteer opportunities- equipping and training Parent Seminars- resources

Positive Attitudes Children are a gift from God, Psalm 127:3 Family is the first ministry ordained by God If you are purposeful in ministering to your family you will have more influence over their decision making, it is the way God designed family. Parenting can heighten spiritual development Parenting is satisfying work Encouragement and Support- web resources hand out

Promote Family Affection Loving God and loving your spouse Communication- Establish a dinnertime routine, ask questions, listen, show interest, be positive Vacation together and plan special times Share mutual interests Appreciate uniqueness Nicknames can be endearing terms of affection Grandparents

Belonging…. Family should be the first gang children relate to In your resource pak… 3 articles- Helping Your Child Cope with Teasing, Bullying and ADHD, Spending Quality Time with Your Children Web and other resources- Sites, Libraries, Books G.A.N.G.S. Outline and Dialogue Resources

Start Family Traditions Stones of Remembrance Joshua 3:15-17 Recall, Record and Share Memories The Festival Tithe- Deut. 12: 10-11, Do you set 10% of your income aside to celebrate holidays? Christmas, Passover, Easter, Feasts (Thanksgiving), Relational (birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day) and Patriotic Holidays

Who are we as a family… A Christian family We value each other and the time we spend together We enjoy each other’s company We are there for each other in times of need- we minister to each other We accept each other as individuals and love unconditionally We are focused on edifying our family and our church family