HOW TO MAKE YOUR CHILDREN LOVE THEMSELVES
-By Dare Oluyi
The fact still remains that children will behave like a child and that is why Apostle Paul
said in 1st Corinthians 13: 11 that, “when I was a child, I spake as a child ……..”
They will compete among themselves, feel jealous or hatred as the case maybe and they can be
aggressive in their actions towards each other or very lovely base on how they are nurtured.
These children need to be trained on how to live together with love and respect in the following
? Help them to know the Lord: The most important thing you can do for your children
which will positively affect their life, attitude and relationship with each other is to help
them to know the Lord. Lead them to Christ and root them in Christ Jesus.
? Show them Love: If you lack love, your children may grow never to remember about
love. So, show love, caring and be their best friend that they can always trust and talk
? Be example of Love at home: Children learn so much by example, we can tell them to
do these things over and over but if they see us living in a way that contradicts our
advice, they won’t take it up. Be example of love at home with your spouse (their
mother), play with your spouse, be in agreement together regularly in their presence
and show these to them, also use it to talk and encourage them.
? Make them feel important: When your children want to talk to you, put aside what you
are doing, look them in the eye and be genuinely interested in what they are talking
about. It may only take a minute or two for the entire conversation, but it will make
such a positive and lasting impression for them.
? Should never be compared: It’s imperative not to compare siblings. Reinforce the
strengths of all children and teach them to accept each other. They may tend to see
their weakness or negative areas but help them to build their self esteem by highlighting
their areas of strength and boost their confidence in themselves.
? Teach them to do some daily activities together: Teach and have them hug themselves
while saying I love you everyday. This is a wonderful exercise for young children to
practice daily. Lay and give the rules that in the house, no one is permitted to use foul
language or abusive words on each other. Otherwise, they should always make use of
words that reflect the amount of care and love they have for each other.
? Teach them the Commandment of God: Teach them the love of God towards humanity
and why we must also love God. Also teach them the commandment of God for us to
love ourselves and our neighbours; which includes our siblings, as ourselves as recorded
in Mark 12: 31; “The second is equally important: love your neighbour as yourself. No
commandment is greater than these.”
DARE OLUYI
Dare Oluyi an Administrator by Training, Pastor by Calling, Teacher by Gift
and Marriage Counselor by Profession.
Author of “22 Types of Relationship and Getting the best out of
Your Marriage”. I am also a teacher of the word and a motivational
Speaker with the mandate to train, build and equip youths to become
a better person.
