Those kids are all the same!

When I saw these two toddlers chatting at the fridge I could easily picture my grown kids chatting and laughing it up in my kitchen today...

As your child grows and matures, so will her questions and doubts about who she is and whether or not she is likeable and acceptable in her world.

When our kids were young we made it our business to seek out and enjoy the unique ways of each of them. Those magical years of innocence and openness before they hit the Middle School years are a gold mine of treasure that you can store up for the future.

What I mean is that there will come a time when they are in the midst of the "mask wearing, image worshipping, head games playing" teenage years when they will need you to remind them of what makes them so unique and such a gift from God to you and to the world.

One of your main jobs is to discern how God has shaped your child. I found some great suggestions in the following article by "Julianna Lawson":

Where Does your Child Shine?

Are you unsure of your child's strengths? Consider these ideas to discover his or her talents.

1. Observe your child during his free time. What kind of activities grab his attention? Does he pick up a pencil to sketch? Perhaps she finds a favorite book and curls up on a couch. Does she enjoy recording the days events in a diary? Does he volunteer to bake a batch of cookies for the family?

2. Observe how your child interacts with siblings and peers. Perhaps he is a leader who enjoys organizing a group of kids to get a game going. Maybe he encourages a child who is feeling left out. Is she the one to suggest putting on a show at a family gathering?

3. Visit with your child's teacher to find out which subjects hold his interest. When is he most likely to raise his hand in class or volunteer for a project? Which assignments have been thoroughly completed with special attention to detail?

Use these clues to match your child's interests with activities happening at school or church., in your neighborhood or in your family. It may take a few tries to make a successful connection, but when it happens, you will know because your child will become more confident in his identity.