From Industry to Identity - Part 1

Starting to school is a crucial turning point in the social development of a child. For some children, this is a significant first step for entering an environment where expectations, social demands, and ethical standards may be different from their home life. If the atmosphere is acceptable and safe, a child begins a lifetime learning adventure.

          Developing a positive attitude toward learning is essential for successfully adjusting to school life. If school adjustment problems persist, parents must make sure their child gets help so the developmental task of industry and productivity progresses normally. This critical task centers around cooperating with teachers and those within their peer groups.

          Responsibility for a child's social and intellectual growth depends on the child, parent, and teacher. Persistence and perseverance are required. Listen to James 1:12: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him." That's God's promise.  

Learning Productivity - Part 3

Do you realize how much determination it takes for an infant to master crawling, learning to walk, and acquiring language? As parents provide an atmosphere of trust that allows a strong sense of self to flourish, their children go to school prepared and eager for mastering the task of industry and productivity.

There are children who enter elementary school unprepared and unready for the task of learning. Parents must overcome their own fears, unpreparedness, and anxiety so they can take appropriate steps to insure their child is provided all available resources to meet their needs. While there are barriers to overcome, persistence helps insure success.

Success in the elementary years can't be stressed enough, for children take with them these initial ideas of what it means to be productive throughout adulthood. Listen to Proverbs 22:6. "Train or teach a child how he should live, and he will remember it all his life." The choices you help your children make about persistence and staying on track will remain a continuous guide and encouragement.  

Learning Productivity - Part 2

What holds a person back from becoming successful, loving, and giving? I'm sure there are many reasons this affliction grips the lives of some of God's people. Laziness and lack of motivation could be argued as probable causes. Feelings of inferiority and inadequacy keep gifts and talents hidden behind a curtain of fear.

As unbelievable as it may seem, change is possible by confronting the feelings that stifle achieving the productive life God intended. While it's true that we can't go back and do any part of our lives over, we can make choices to alter what gives power to negative perceptions and beliefs.

Begin by rejecting a belief that you're stuck and incapable of change. Believe that you were created by God for a special purpose that will honor him and bless others. See yourself as a child of God, redeemed by Christ Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Believe you're capable of being productive with what God has given you. Keep these truths in your heart and mind until they become real to you.  

Learning Productivity - Part 1

God's desire for his people is that they be industrious and productive. Industry is a developmental task the elementary age child learns to master. The goal for a child at this age is to become skilled in reading, math, social studies, and science. Success most often depends on acquiring social skills. This learned productivity creates patterns for living that last a lifetime.

Children who are shy or feel inadequate conceal their treasures. These children need encouragement and tutoring until their self-image changes. Be alert to identifying a child's strengths and positive attributes. Feelings of inadequacy and inferiority are difficult to overcome, but with determination and God-given courage, change is possible.

The temptation is to linger in the shadows of your capabilities. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness." With every temptation, God provides a way to escape. So please be encouraged, and strive to be the person God created you to be.  

Motivation for Change - Part 3

Children from age six to twelve take significant steps toward learning to live in the world beyond their homes. Self-discipline becomes a necessity for school life and other activities. Their interests become more centered around school and peer groups. Friends become increasingly important for social activities, for influencing values and behavior patterns.

During this period children acquire a sense of industry and duty. Guidance from parents and significant-other adults is critical for helping children develop perseverance for task completion that will gauge their success at each future stage of life. Perseverance is invaluable for managing the trials and temptations life will surely present.

Although these developmental years can be difficult, learning to persevere develops character that lasts a lifetime. Romans 5:3 puts it this way: "We rejoice in our suffering because we know that suffering creates perseverance, and perseverance character, and character hope." God helps us develop character that will guide us and honor him.