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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