Notes of Encouragement

Once again, the year end exams are upon us.  And our Examination Prayer is getting more visitors

Yes, this can be a very stressful time for both parents and children.  Our children need the encouragement. And we need the inspiration – inspiration to put into perspective for ourselves, what being a parent is all about, inspiration to remind us that there is more to life than the results of our children.

And one good source of reminder and inspiration is from that of Grace-Based Parenting, the series which we are currently studying at Heart2Heart.  As I reflected on the lessons from the past sessions, I am reminded of the 3 inner needs of our children and these are 1. The Need to Feel Secure (Secure Love), 2. The Need for Significance (Significant Purpose), 3. The Need to Be Strong (Strong Hope).

Indeed, the next few weeks can be a trying time – a very sensitive and vulnerable time for our children.  This is a good time for us to put to practice what we have read and learnt from Grace Based Parenting and our children really need to hear from us during this time and know that we love them no matter what.

For those of us who are not sure what Grace-Based Parenting is all about, you can look up this short summary at -> The Power of Grace-Based Parenting or watch and listen to Dr Tim Kimmel share this message at ->Dr. Tim Kimmel on Raising Kids

So how can our children know that they matter more to us than the results they bring back?  How can we give our children a secure love, a significant purpose and a strong hope during this critical time?

In his book and video sessions, Dr Tim Kimmel did mention some ways we can meet the 3 inner needs.  In the context of exams and exams preparations, I thought a practical way we can fill up our children’s 3 inner needs tanks is to write them short notes of encouragement during this time.  A simple “I Love You, Son/Daughter” or “I Love You Cupcake or Pumpkin or Big Guy”… whatever is your nickname or terms of endearment can go a long way.

Some other notes you can write :

• You are Special
• Just give Your Best.  I Love You No Matter What.
• I see that you are trying very hard.  Keep up the good work.
• I am A Blessed Mom Because of You
• Praying for You Right Now.
• You Give Me Many Reasons to Smile… and one of them is ________ .
• I Believe In You
• We are so blessed because God gave us You
• You worked very hard last night.  I am proud of you.
• Thank You for helping me with baby brother / younger sister in her homework or  _____ in the midst of your revision
• I know you can do it.  You have a flair for (writing/ science/ math or ______ )
• You are God’s Special GIft to Us
• You are so precious to us
• God made you special
• I am very proud of you
• God has great and wonderful plans for a special girl/boy like you …
• I can see a doctor / a teacher /  a ___________ in you
• We will have a day out at the zoo / Universal Studio / ______ to celebrate after all your hard work

You can also write out short little prayers to pass on to your child during this time of revision and also on the days of exams as well.  And not forgetting all the wonderful bible verses and promises that we can write and pray into our children’s lives.

Below are new links for ideas on love notes and encouragement notes :

• Free Printable Lunchbox Notes, Tags & Stickers | Alphamom
• Free Backpack and Lunch Notes – GingerbreadNook.com

You can also look up our older post on Examination Matters.  Here you will find links to our older posts on exam prayers, praying for your children during this time, other encouraging notes.

May this be a time of strengthening our relationship with our children.  May this also be a time we and our children will find our Lord to be faithful and grow in our walk with our Lord.