Loving encourager...

For several weeks, and with the help of my aides, we have been tracking over 100 students who have failing grades. Something that has tugged at my heart and brought me to tears a few times, are the variety of family situations. Several parents have their share of challenges and some are heartbreaking. Not all homes have the ideal, or so called "normal" family. Not all children have the support and unconditional love of a mom and a dad. Some have parents that seem too strict and are just the taskmaster, taking the "just get it done" route rather than making time to sit with their child, and help with school work. Some parents have given up, and some work ten hours a day so there is not much left to give their children. Some students have a parent with cancer, some have parents who have divorced, some have physical and mental problems, some have broken spirits, and the list goes on and on. I have tried to be helpful, encourage them, and offer support. I know most parents and students appreciate that. I wish I could go to their homes and help them. Teachers have worked long hours to try and help students who are failing.

I have had this overwhelming feel of gratitude that Cash, Colby, Grey, and Grahm have so many people who love them. They have a home where they can feel safe and cared for. I don't ever want anything or anyone to break their sweet spirits. I hope they always feel cherished, even when they make mistakes. I hope we can always lovingly encourage them.

I saw this article online the other day, I thought it was good. This is an excerpt:

The thought of my child growing up with a parent whose love was based on what he did rather than who he was caused an immediate change in me. I stopped being his rigid taskmaster, and, instead, became his loving encourager...

Rather than harping on every single thing my child did wrong, I saved my guidance for serious issues -- issues that could be potentially dangerous or life-altering.

Rather than forcing him to master a skill at the same rate as his peers, I assured myself that he would be ready in his own time.

I stopped overreacting to kid mishaps and minor incidents and realized he was better at cleaning up after himself without someone breathing down his neck.

If there was a bad habit that needed changing, I led by example. I invited him to join me in healthy habits. I provided tools (like timers and check-off lists) to empower him to become more prompt and responsible without my assistance.

I celebrated his efforts, rather than their outcomes, and strived to speak three times as many positive words as I did negative ones.

(Rachel Macy Stafford, HUFF-POST Contributor)

I pray for all parents and their children. May God bless them.