crisis pregnancy
Take Note
Communication is an important part of keeping relationships strong. Small words of encouragement go a long way in staying close to our kids.
But once children are in school and the afternoons are filled with sports activities, music lessons and hanging out with friends, how do we even get a loving message to our child?
Lunch boxes or bags make excellent mailboxes—just grab a pen and paper and drop in a note. If you want to get really creative, find a toothpick and some food color. You can write or draw right on a sandwich or cookie! Permanent marker works well for writing on the drink box. If your child likes stickers, choose one just for him and stick it on a sandwich bag.
Other great places to leave notes are in a backpack, on the bathroom mirror, on a closet shelf, in a shoe, on the computer keyboard or send an e-mail. If you have an especially organized child, find an empty spot on his personal calendar and jot a simple note, such as: "You are special. Have a great day," "Thanks for taking out the trash without being told. You are really handling responsibility well," "I 'm proud of you" or "I 'm so glad I'm your mom."
One year my daughter's "lunch bunch" wanted the same affirmation she received so badly that several of her friends called me and asked if I would include notes for them each day.
Affirming your child in writing gives him something that can be read over and over. He can put the notes in a drawer or box and pull one out on a day when he needs a little extra encouragement.
"Parental affirmation is a gift all children need," says David W. Cox, a Christian family counselor. "One of the most positive things parents can do to affect their children is to speak blessings. Children who receive encouragement from their parents do not seek validation in potentially destructive ways as teens."
Middle schoolers are never too old to be told they are loved. Notes don 't have to be long. And no matter what the words say, the message is still the same: "You are special. I 'm glad we have each other."
Background Information
Behind the Scenes of a Teen Pregnancy
A look at the thoughts and feelings she — and you — are going through.
Abortion Risks
While abortion seems like a "quick fix" for a long-term problem, it is a permanent decision that carries physical, emotional and spiritual risks.
Deciding About Adoption
When considering adoption as an alterative to raising your baby, these answers may dispel adoption myths.
Questions and Answers
Why do I feel like this pregnancy has pulled me in so many different directions? I feel so overwhelmed with all the ramifications of this decision I must make. How can I sort it all out?
Answer
My pregnant daughter has her whole life still ahead of her. Would it be better for her to place her baby with a family through adoption, parent her baby or have an abortion?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Things Seen and Unseen
A woman in a white coat walked into the room and flipped on the fluorescent lights, jarring my wife awake. The jarring was just beginning.
Left to Suffer
Abortion can leave a woman feeling more empty and alone than she ever dreamed possible.
Life is Sacred
Sometimes the choices we make bring pain. Thankfully, one woman turned to God for healing.
Taboo Grief: Men and Abortion
It's not something most men talk about, but the ones who've lost a child to abortion bear many scars.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Faith Helps
God may be the only person who understands what you're going through.
What the Choice is All About
For a long time it baffled me. I could never understand why anyone would want to be pro-choice. But this past week I finally got it.
Related Topics
Relationships: Blended Families, Parents and Adult Children
Transitions: Preparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest
