Tim says that grace-based parents transfer a significant purpose to their children by giving them regular affirmation, focused attention, and graceful admonition.

Here are some practical ways to instill a significant purpose into your child’s heart.

1. Make dinnertime something your child looks forward to – a time of listening to how your child’s day went and affirming them for the wise choices they made.
2. Every week pick a character trait that you are going to go out of your way to affirm your child’s development of that quality.
3. Even when you child fails at something or doesn’t wind up at the top in an activity, affirm them for their efforts and assure them that they will get better with practice and endurance.
4. Make sure your child doesn’t feel like he has to compete with his siblings or your work for your attention. Take a few minutes at the beginning and end of the day to give her your undivided attention.
5. When it is time to correct your child, start by affirming them and then address the issue at hand
6. If your child needs you while you are on the computer, ask him to allow you to come to a stopping point and then give them full attention and listen with your ears, eyes and heart.
7. If your cell phone rings while you are in the middle of something with your child, consider letting the caller leave a message or, if it is urgent, ask your child to excuse you for a moment. Then finish your call as quickly as possible and get back to your child.
8. Commit to taking each of your children on a monthly one on one excursion and spend that time letting them tell you what’s on their heart and what challenges they are facing. Use this time to build them up not to correct them.
9. Make sure the positive things you say to your child out number the negative things that must be discussed, at least 2 to 1.
10. Teach your children how to give and take admonition by having a regular “What’s Your Beef” night at your house.