Suggestions To Help A Child

(This is from the web site of The Light For Life Foundation;
see the "Sites About Children" section of my links page.

Take your child seriously. Even if your child is 6'2" and 190Lbs, he is still a young person. A triviality to an adult is often unbearably painful to a child.
Listen with your heart, not just with your ears. Put down what you're doing, make eye contact be 100% with the child when he's talking to you.
Participate in your child's life. Turn off the TV. A child is a better investment than Monday night football, the evening news, or a game of golf.
Give children respect. Give them time, praise, encouragement, consideration, and the same respect you would grant another adult.
Teach your child that loss and loneliness are part of every human life. Help him understand that though one friend or sweetheart may choose to walk away, there are others who are also lonely and are praying that some fine person like them will enter their life.
Be genuine and honest with your child so he/she can learn to be genuine and honest with you.
Honor your child so he will know he is honorable.
Hug your child so he will know he is hug-able.
Show that you care!