Do you remember the story, “Three Little Pigs”?
What happened when the Big Bad Wolf came knocking at their door and threatened to ‘huff and puff and blow their houses down’?
The first two houses were not strong enough to resist their enemy. However, the third Little Pig was prepared because he had built a strong house, made of bricks- it took time and effort to make sure it would withstand adversity, and at the same time, be a place where he and his brothers could sing and dance while the Wolf huffed and puffed away outside.
Today’s discussion is about ways to strengthen your family bonds to enjoy life more and be prepared when adversity threatens to blow your house down!
PREPARATION for today’s discussion:
1. List ways you build family cohesion.
2. Think of a time when your family had to work together on a challenge. What did each of you do to contribute to resolving it?
3. What is a challenge your family is currently facing and not sure what to do about it?
The Need for Belonging & Significance
By creating a nurturing environment that builds a sense of Belonging and Significance, we reinforce the child’s feelings of self-worth, as well as strengthen the family as a unit.
If children do not experience some key things in their environment and interactions, they will try to gain belonging and significance through Mistaken Goals.
What are ways to create the kind of environment where children find positive ways to be part of the family and contribute?
Mistaken Goals
– Undue Attention
– Power
– Revenge
– Assumed Inadequacy
Positive Goals
– Involvement
– Independence
– Fair Treatment
– Competence
After sharing, each of you will:
Choose 3 of the options below and explain how each would strengthen your family:
– Family Dinner
– Family Fun Night
– Special Time- 15 minutes/day with each child
– Event Planning
– New Skill Together
– Chores
– Prayer
– Travel
– Weekly Family Meeting
– Hobbies
– Other…
HOMEWORK:
- CHOOSE 3 THINGS to incorporate into your family’s daily life in the coming weeks.
- MAKE A PLAN to introduce them
- KEEP NOTES about what happened