BLESSING
Recommended for ages 3+
Affirm Your Child's Value
What is the Blessing?
Every child needs to experience something the Scriptures call “the blessing.” The following tools can help you begin the process by imparting the kind of blessing only a parent can give.
The blessing is a powerful tool with which we communicate acceptance and genuine commitment. The word comes from the ancient practice of weighing coins on a scale to determine value. Blessing someone “adds value” to his or her life. We see in Scripture the word bless or blessing used almost 700 times. The Bible also gives us great evidence that our God is a God of blessing. Because we receive that blessing from our Heavenly Father, we have the wonderful opportunity to pass it on.
THERE ARE FIVE BASIC ELEMENTS OF A BLESSING...
1. STAY COMMITTED
The blessing is not a fleeting moment or mere symbolic event. It includes an active, long-term commitment to the child’s well-being by accepting responsibility to help him or her become all God intends.
2. SHOW LOVING TOUCH
The power of a hug or placing your hand on your child while affirming him or her creates an important physical connection and communicates warmth, acceptance, and relational health.
3. SHOW VALUE
Just like we add value to someone’s pocket by handing them a coin, we add value to a child’s life when we use words that attach high value to them as a person.
4. SEE POTENTIAL
Parents best see a child’s natural strengths and foresee possibilities for their future. Giving the blessing includes picturing a special future and cheering them toward achieving their potential.
5. SAY IT
An effective blessing must be put into words whether spoken, written, or both. Simply being present is not enough to communicate the blessing. Words of affirmation are necessary for your child to know he or she is appreciated and accepted.
Raising Your Child in a God- Honoring Home
WHO NEEDS THE BLESSING?
Everyone needs to experience unconditional love and acceptance from their parents. Those who don't receive it can spend later years trying to fill the void missed at home. Those who don't receive the blessing have a tremendous advantage in life. An example of this dynamic is recorded in Genesis 28 in the story of Jacob’s two sons.
WHO CAN GIVE THE BLESSING?
Anyone can give the blessing, but the most important and powerful blessing comes from parents.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GIVE IT?
You can take advantage of special occasions and scheduled events to give the blessing in an intentional manner as well as during informal, more spontaneous moments. You might want to start a morning routine when you drop your child off at school or daycare or establish a nightly routine of blessing before bedtime.
TIPS & TOOLS
Let’s consider a few practical ways you can begin blessing your child.
On-the-Go Blessings: Speak words of blessing to your child while driving to school, tucking into bed, celebrating an accomplishment or good effort, or writing a note to place in their lunch. You can also download and frame the Blessing Idea Card below and use a dry erase marker to fill in the You Are Great Because phrase or create your own using any of the following.
- I was so proud of you when I saw you…
- I think God is going to use you in the future to…
- God has gifted you with a unique ability to…
Bedtime Blessing Prayer: Select a special Scripture to pray over your child each evening such as Numbers 6:24-26 as quoted on the card linked below. Consider printing it on card stock, frame it, and then keep it beside your child’s bed. Lay your hand gently on your child’s arm or shoulder while praying to reassure him or her with loving touch.
Bedtime Blessing Chats: Spend a few minutes of enjoyment with your child while tucking them into bed with creative chats that conclude with a special blessing prayer. Download a few starter ideas from the links below.
OTHER HELPFUL TOOLS
Explore resources by Dr. John Trent for more ideas on how to give the blessing to your child.
 |
StrongFamilies.com |
Now choose what days and times you plan to bless your child and mark it on your schedule in order to turn good intentions into practice.
YOUR CHILD'S NEXT STEP
As children get older, they become ready for additional steps along Milestones. Set a calendar reminder for your child’s next birthday to return to this page to select their next step. Thank you for becoming intentional about guiding your child’s faith journey!
