Communicating openly with our kids regularly is a crucial, yet challenging, task for many parents. When I was a kid, I loved that my mom and I would often exchange little notes on my bedroom desk, and I’d come home from school to find a new reply from her. (And of course, I saved them all.) It’s something I’ve never forgotten and a memory that often comes back when I’m dealing with my wife’s and my 11-year-old son.
Earlier this year, Christian Parenting released a notepad-style book called “Noteworthy Kids: 50 Encouraging Notes Every Child Needs To Receive,” written by Cynthia Yanof. Most of the pages feature a headline thought, like “You Can Stand Alone” or “I Know That Hurt,” followed by a short message. On the back, a featured relevant scripture precedes a space where parents can fill in their own personal message in a section that starts “By the way…”
I’ve used these notes on a few occasions with my son this year, and each time he’s received them with great encouragement and surprise. We try to be open and encouraging with him on a daily basis, but I know how much a handwritten note can really add to the situation. In a way, it mimics God’s own Word to us – letters of encouragement for our daily living as HIS children.
Not all of the notes will apply to your child or their situation, however. I usually turn to the book for notes that support a very specific situation or event. “I Saw That!” encourages your child to keep doing good that you’ve witnessed them do when they didn’t think anyone was looking. “Trust His Timing” addresses unanswered prayer, and “That was Brave” encourages them when they stand up for what they believe in. “You’re a Great Sibling” is sweet, but will only apply to children with a brother or sister.
I turned to the book recently when my son was struggling with fear over getting a couple routine shots at the doctor. I ended up picking out a page in the back that was mostly blank, with the title “I Just Wanted to Say…”, and wrote my own little encouragement on it (Starting with “YOU GOT THIS!”). I left it on the table where he eats breakfast in the morning, and my wife later told me that he loved it so much, he took it to school with him that day. (And that evening, he proudly showed it to me displayed inside his school binder. *sniffle*) Many of the write-your-own notes start with titles like “I Hope You Know…”, “I’m Proud of You…”, “I Don’t Say It Enough, But…” which are nice ways to personalize a message for a broader topic. 10 of the 50 notes are these customizable pages.
Overall, “Noteworthy Kids: 50 Encouraging Notes Every Child Needs To Receive” is a great tool for parents looking for a little help in finding ways to encourage and communicate with their kids. I love that they frequently incorporate scripture and Biblical messages with the words of encouragement, and I especially love the fact that you can write in your own personal message.
Parents, definitely check this one out.
For more info on how to get a copy: https://raisedonors.com/christianparenting/noteworthykids?sc=CPWS2101130A&mc=noteworthykids
