1 Spiritual health. Make a big deal about their regular, personal quiet time with the Lord. Lead by example. Don't neglect church community. Foster serving others in your children. Challenge them with questions. Here are some of my well used questions. "What is wise for tomorrow?" "How will that reflect your relationship with Christ?" Every morning I remind them as they step out of my door, "Remember who you represent."
2 Music Lessons. Yes, I'm a music teacher, but even if I weren't I would put them in music lessons because of the combination of beauty and discipline that comes with art. It doesn't matter that they are not going to be professional musicians, time spent with music is never wasted. Our children learned priceless lessons along with their instruments. Discipline. Determination. Community. Ensemble. Kids and adults need to be part of something bigger than themselves. We learn so much from banging up against difficulties...and persevering. The reward is so much greater when it is a challenge to get there. AND it's is so enjoyable all along the way.
3 Farm Life. ok, this one is not for everyone, but if ever there was a life style with growth mind set built in... Farm life teaches that sometimes it takes a long time to see results, and sometimes you can give more than 100% and achieve different results than you expected...but different can be its own success. It teaches children to care for others, animals and people. It teaches responsibility in spades! It teaches there is a wealth of honest pleasure that comes from working hard. It teaches that you can't cheat and truly win. It teaches that rest is just as valuable as work.
So, even if you can't buy a farm, challenge your children in healthy ways to always look out, look up and look forward.
