​Throughout the school years, from kindergarten through high school we are concerned about our children succeeding.  Therefore, we have many expectations of them.  Sometimes, our expectations are unrealistic or unreasonable and we end up discouraging and criticizing our children instead of encouraging them and allowing them to succeed on their own.
 
Encouragement focuses on effort or improvement, rather than strictly on outcomes.  Encouragement is recognizing, accepting, and conveying the faith you have in your child.   When we use encouragement, we infuse life into them rather than pulling the life out of them. 
 
Using encouragement gives a child a sense of self-respect and tests their strength and ability.  Then, they are able to feel a sense of accomplishment when they do things on their own, discover their abilities, make their own decisions, and make meaningful contributions. 
 
ENCOURAGEMENT                                                             DISCOURAGEMENT
"I think you can do it"                                                        "Here, let me do that for you"
"You have what it takes"                                                   "Be careful; it's dangerous"
"You're a hard worker"                                                      "Don't forget your assignment"
"What do you think?"                                                         "Let me give you some advice"
"I could use your help"                                                      "When you're older, you can help"
"It looks like a problem occurred.                                    "I told you to be careful"
What can we do to solve the problem?"
 
 
If a child has confidence, he will function.  If he becomes demoralized, discouraged, or doubtful of himself, he will feel useless, discouraged, and become deficient and maladjusted.
Most adults are skilled at discouragement, having received more than their share.  We have learned how to yell, threaten, nag, interrogate, criticize, reward, punish, and isolate when problems arise.  As much as teachers and parents love children, we often end up treating them with little trust and respect.
 
In pointing out parents' mistakes, I don't infer criticism.  We must learn from our mistakes.  Don't beat yourself up or become discouraged parents.  Have the courage to try different techniques.  Remember what worked or was good.  We can't be perfect parents but there is room for improvement.

Here are a couple of suggestions for a healthy marriage:

• Put your marriage first
• Don’t take your partner for granted
• Support one another including listening to work concerns
• Find quality childcare
• Set priorities
• Make healthy choices
• Brainstorm solutions (if clean house is a priority, find help and put it in the budget)
• Be flexible.  Develop skills to juggle time schedules and activities
• Get organized
• Delegate
• Strive for balance
• Learn toleration
• Make time for fun

 
Make time commitment of at least 15 minutes a day with your partner.
 
Go on a date a minimum of once a month.
 
Except life will be chaotic, everything won’t get done.  One of you may have to say “no” to something or being somewhere.
 
Share equally in household duties including errands and child care/parenting.