What Children Want... Printable

I've done several posts on our little nephew, Ben over the last few months.  He's been battling leukemia, and now he's experiencing some major heart complications.  The tender situation he's in right now seems to be in the forefront of my mind every time I sit down to do a printable these days.

Any Mr. Rogers fans out there?  I loved him growing up, and was thrilled when Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood came out recently.  My four-year-old is getting a taste of what I used to love so many years ago.  Anyway, I've had this quote of his for quite sometime, and it's one I keep close to help me  remember where my focus should be as a mom.  Life is busy, and I often times get sidetracked with other silly things, but really my three boys are what deserve my undivided attention, no matter what. 

This experience with our nephew (and actually a niece several years ago) has really made me stop and think about how sacred our time is with our young children.  They grow up so quickly, and life is so fragile that we really can't waste a single minute of our precious time with them.  

Ben has been blessed with amazing parents who have always been extremely focused on him and his brothers.  But now that he's in such a delicate state, I know they're giving him their every ounce of attention, love, and care.  I'm guilty of not doing that as often as I should.  And it doesn't mean I can't do my own thing, and have time to myself, but when they talk (I love how the quote says talk with, not talk to)- I need to listen, when we're together- I need to set my iPhone down, and be there in the moment with them.  I remember my then-three-year-old used to take magazines out of my hands and shut them when I was sitting on the floor "playing" with him.  They're totally smart.  They know when they don't have your undivided attention.  They deserve it, they need it!  Let them have it. 

Here's a printable from a few weeks back that I did for Ben.  We're still praying for the miracle he needs.  We love you, Ben!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

UPDATE
Unfortunatley, allowing you to print this printable by Rhonna's App is in violation of the EULA.  You can use my image as a guide to create your own.  Sorry!

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Children Learn What They Live {Printable}

My mom gave me this, "Children Learn What They Live" (by Dorothy Law Nolte) a few months ago.  I remember hearing it when I was younger, but now that I have children of my own, it really hits home with me.  I don't know if it's because school has started and we're all going through some adjustments, but I seem to be keenly aware of my parenting techniques lately.

Click to Print

One of my twins has had a bit of anxiety with the first few days of first grade.   It's always a bit challenging when you see your own children struggle.  Then, if you're like me, you begin to wonder if you're doing everything you need to as a parent.  I fall short in some ways, but I feel like I do well in others.  I love quotes like this one that help me remember what's important and what I should be focusing on as a parent.  

The printable is a bit hard to read on the screen, so here's a larger version for you.

Children Learn What They Live

By:  Dorothy Law Nolte

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

This quote by Dorothy Nolte also reminded me of something I read on our church's website several years ago.  It comes from the Family Home Evening Resource Manual.  It states,

"We can learn to be better parents by studying the scriptures to see how Heavenly Father deals with his children.  We can also learn how not to act by observing Satan's methods."  The manual then provides a table showing the Lord's way in one column, and Satan's way in the other (click here to see the table).  

I know it may seem a bit extreme to compare one's self to Heavenly Father or Satan, and I understand that all of our religious views aren't the same, but the characteristics listed on the table are universal regardless of your religious beliefs.  All I know, is that it's my goal to be on the Lord's side of the table each and every day as a parent.  I'm not perfect by any means, but I have learned that there are blessings that come and improvements can be made as you try a little bit harder to be a little bit better every day.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

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A Person's A Person... {Printable @ Or So She Says}

How was your 4th of July weekend?  Ours was full of fun family time and lots of fireworks.  Hopefully yours was enjoyable as well.

Well, it's the second Monday of the month, so  you know what that means.  I'm over at Or So She Says today with a little note on parenting and a printable.  You can check out the entire post and print out the quote by clicking here. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

Linking up to these parties & Savvy Southern Style.