What Kids Need
Kids Need Challenges
(Isaiah 40:30-31; Philippians 4:13)
The Situation: Kids complain, "This is too hard for me!" They protest when assignments, chores, or situations they face seem to be unreasonably difficult. Children are short-sighted. When left to themselves, they almost always choose the "path of least resistance."
The Solution: Adults are tempted to respond to complaints by "dumbing down" a task. This results in a cycle of continually lower expectations. But God doesn't want us to trust in our own strength. Sometimes the Lord places challenges in our path so we learn to rely on Him. The Bible is full of examples of people who pushed through difficult challenges and emerged with a significant victory!
What You Can Do: Discuss with your child why it is always more difficult to climb to the summit than to coast downhill. Emphasize that the summit offers exhilaration and a sense of genuine accomplishment! Encourage your child to tackle difficult assignments (perhaps breaking the challenging task into manageable pieces) and to always do his or her best!
