Message Minute (The Power of Affection and Attention)

As children grow from toddlers toward puberty, their need for affection and attention remains crucial. Studies show that children who don't receive appropriate physical touch can withdraw emotionally. Just as Jesus placed His hands on children when blessing them, our appropriate physical affection communicates love and acceptance to our children. Beyond touch, children deeply desire our attention—specifically, our willingness to listen. When we truly listen to our children, we validate them and help them build a strong sense of self. Nothing is more devastating than not being heard in the relationships we count on for understanding. Jesus asked 307 questions in the Gospels—not to gather information but to help people think and come to their own conclusions. We can use questions the same way with our children. Instead of closed questions that lead to one-word answers, try open-ended questions that invite conversation:

• "Tell me about the best part of your day."
• "What's the worst thing that happened today?"
• "Who's your favorite friend to play with and why?"

Verse: "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life." - Matthew 3:17 (MSG)

Reflection Question: How can you improve the quality of your listening and the questions you ask your children today?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for being a God who listens when I call. Help me to listen to my children with the same attention and care. Teach me to ask better questions that invite them to share their hearts with me. May my affection and attention communicate Your love to them. In Jesus' name, Amen.