Welcome to a place where we can share ideas about grandparenting, especially ways to pass spiritual values and family stories to the next generation.

Mary is the co-author of The Grandparent Connection: 365 Ways to Connect With Your Grandchild's Heart.
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Co-author of The Grandparent Connection: 365 Ways to Connect With Your Grandchild's Heart

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Thumbs-up or Thumbs-down


Tuesday's Grand Connection Thought
by Mary May Larmoyeux

On Sunday night Pops and I watched the conclusion to the Bible miniseries that was aired on the History Channel. It was wonderful! As it ended, I had a sense of wanting my life to really count ... to be totally open to Jesus Christ drawing people to Himself and using me, regardless of the cost.

As mothers and grandmothers, there is no better place to model the love of Christ and impact future generations than in our homes. Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, and Tricia Goyer know that. I'm reading a wonderful book that they wrote called Lead Your Family Like Jesus. Of course, my days of parenting children are over, but my years of grandparenting have hopefully just begun.

In the book, Tricia shared a fun activity that she and her husband use to help their children understand the difference between behaviors that do and don't reflect their family's values and priorities. It's called the Thumbs-Up/Thumbs-Down Game and done around the dinner table. Tricia says that the game is simple, and I sure agree.

Here's how it works:  Each person gets a turn to name a behavior and everyone else gives a thumbs-up (approval) or thumbs-down (disapproval). For example:

  • Taking things without asking
  • Listening to and obeying your parents the first time
  • Offering to help without asking
  • Whining
  • Pushing your brother
.... you get the idea.

I want to do this game with our grandkids when they come visit. And I also think that it would be great to get in the habit of giving the grandkids periodic thumbs-up or thumbs-down as they play with one another or do chores around Pops' and my house.

What are you doing to help your grandkids understand the values and priorities in your home?

Have a great week!
Mary
Mary May Larmoyeux
www.marymaywrites.com

© 2013 Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.


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4 comments:

pkrains said...

What a great idea! And, I'm not a bit surprised that Tricia Goyer's family initiated this. She is one of the hardest working, most dedicated moms/grandmoms that I know. Can't wait to get the book (one for myself, as a Nanna and one for my son and daughter-in-law as they parent our four grandchildren). Thanks, Mary, for directing our attention to "Lead Your Family Like Jesus." BLESSINGS!!

Mary May Larmoyeux said...

Great to hear from you, Pat. Know you'll enjoy Tricia's book!

Anonymous said...

Such a great way to teach children. The thumbs up or down makes it fun, as well. Love, Rita

Mary May Larmoyeux said...

Great to hear from you Rita!