Words are powerful! Words are important! One of our parenting goals is to have our children know who they are in Christ and walk confidently in their calling. Valentine’s Day is a great time to speak those truths into your child’s heart.
Every person has core desires that they long to fulfill, and core questions that they long to answer. In Wild at Heart-Discovering the Secrets of a Man’s Soul we learn that “in the heart of every man is a desperate desire for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.” Men desire to know the answer to the questions, “Who am I?” and “Do I have what it takes?”
In Captivating-Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul we learn “that every woman in her heart of hearts longs for three things; to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, and to unveil beauty.” They desire to know the answer to the questions, “Am I loved?” and “Am I worth fighting for?
These desires don’t just appear when we get older – they are also true of our children. As parents it is our job to speak to these longings in our kids. We can help build their confidence and make sure they leave our homes knowing who they are in Christ and what calling He has on their life. Valentine’s Day is a natural time to express love to your kids. You can also use this time to speak truth and life over them.
Valentine’s Hearts
Every year since 2014, we have taken the time to write 14 different short statements for each of our children. (Well, minus the one year we left the notes up all year long, and the one year we just completely forgot.) We write the blessing, promise or truth on a heart. Then starting on February 1 we tape one of the hearts on their door each day. We continue doing this daily until February 14th.
Over the years we have done it several different ways. Here are some examples.
- One year we picked 14 different character traits we see in them. Some traits were consistent throughout all our children and some were specific for one child. This one takes some time and we encourage you to pray about it and ask God what He sees in them.
- One year we put 14 different prayers we are praying over the kids.
- Another year, we put 14 things God says about them. Both of these years each kid had the same words; we just used different colored hearts.
- Some of the years we put things we love about each child. It is a mixture of silly, sweet and specific to them. If you do this, just remember it is an opportunity to build your child up and not make fun of them or point out their weaknesses. God made each of your children unique and on purpose. Use this as an opportunity to celebrate them!
Our words can speak life into our kids, and God’s truth gives them a firm foundation. Use these Valentine’s Day hearts to speak truth into your child’s heart.
If you don’t know where to begin, check out this printable. It will give you ideas and actual hearts you can print and use.
