Lydia got her 3rd report card yesterday. And as with the last two report cards, I am busting my buttons with my smart and thriving little girl! She received all E’s for Excellent in her classes. And the most important part to me–E’s in her behavior.
So to see (and for Lydia herself to hear) that she has shown EXCELLENT self-control at school is beyond encouraging. It’s like we’ve come to the place we never thought we’d get! I know she’s only 6 and this is only kindergarten. She’ll have plenty of opportunities in her life to struggle with self-control but for now, this is a victory for us!
I wish you could have seen her when she got that first report card. When I read “Self-Control: EXCELLENT” she was practically hiding under the table she was so shy/proud/stop-looking-at-me-embarassed! It also taught me a big lesson. Sometimes I get so focused on what she does wrong (trying to help her, etc.) that I forget to praise her when she does it right or conquers it!
I was thinking it would be fun if we made little “heart report cards” for our kids sometimes. Maybe when we see they are doing good, give them a little card that says, “You are showing EXCELLENT self-control!” or “Your obedience is OUTSTANDING!” or “I can see that you are WORKING HARD to be brave!” or “A++ for LOVING your family this week!”. What a fun affirmation and gift for your kids!
I found this cute blank report card online this morning. I just printed it out and am going to think of some specific (and funny things) to “grade” the kids on. I’ll set it at their places at lunch today and see what they think. Check the Facebook page later today to see how they liked it! And if you do one for your kids, show us on the Facebook page, too!
How can you encourage your kids in Godly conduct?
Ashley Pichea says
I love this!! What a great reminder to look for the things our kids are doing right and praise them for doing so!
Leigh says
We are working through Clay Clarkson’s 24 family ways, and there are some leading questions in the studies, and through those, we’ve been able to remember how important it is to encourage the Godly behavior. One of the first weeks we all had to go around and say something nice about each person – and the boys were GLOWING. It was amazing. I’m really try to verbalize it more – they need to hear that more than the criticism…
vanessa@silly eagle books says
Such a great idea. 🙂 I’m printing one out now.
Samantha @ KreativeKaring says
What a cute idea! And congrats to Lydia for working so hard!! =)
-Samantha
KreativeKaring.com