I admire your initiative and compassion. I am so proud of you. Praise is a type of reward. It motivates a child externally and, in doing so, it is a type of social control. But overreliance on praise can discourage and a child can grow to believe that her worth depends upon the opinion of others.
Children listen with their ears, eyes, and hearts.
Parent example and family atmosphere nurtures or impedes discipleship, discernment and obedience. May we discern the will and presence of God within the circumstances of each day. Through our faithfulness may our children learn to discern the voices that lead to life-giving choices. Patricia M. McCormack, IHM, EdD, has taught in elementary and secondary schools, served as elementary school principal, and directed teacher education at the collegiate level.