Teaching Preteens the Power of Encouragement

As a homeschool parent, you wear many hats—teacher, chef, referee, and sometimes, the resident therapist. Just last week, I was knee-deep in a math lesson when my teen, with a dramatic flair, loudly exclaimed something hurtful about the siblings who were “distracting her”.

So, rather than diving into complex fractions, I shifted gears and suggested we take a moment for some self-reflection. “Let’s focus on what we can improve and how we can encourage each other,” I said, and to my surprise, I saw her eyes light up. With a sprinkle of humor and creative activities, we can turn moments like these into lessons on encouragement—ones that are perfect for any homeschool setting.

1. The Homeschool Theater

Transform your living room into a stage for some role-playing fun! Have your kids create skits that illustrate the difference between being a “critic” and an “encourager.” As they act out these scenarios, you can chime in with humor, saying, “Okay, Oscar-winning actor, how did it feel to be the ‘critic’? Did you feel like a drama queen or a superhero?” In turn, ask the encourager how it felt to be positive and supportive to their peers. This teaches empathy and gives them a chance to be creative and express themselves.

2. The Eyes Have It!

Grab some supplies and let your kids create a vibrant poster with two large eyes—one for self-reflection and one for encouragement. While they’re drawing, you could say, “Remember, we’re all a little cross-eyed when it comes to spotting our own faults!” Afterward, host a mini art gallery where they can present their masterpieces. This activity encourages them to focus on their own growth while appreciating the qualities of others.

3. Encouragement Jars

Create an encouragement jar that can become a weekly family tradition. Each family member can write positive notes about one another and drop them in the jar. At the end of each week, take time together to read the notes aloud. It’s like a surprise party where everyone gets a gift! This practice nurtures a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated, and it helps the whole family focus on the good they can see in others.

4. Reflection Journals

Journaling is a wonderful hobby for almost any age, but it is especially beneficial for teens and preteens. Journaling gives them the chance to be open and honest without fear of criticism. You could suggest they write down their thoughts about the day, focusing on moments they felt proud of or areas they’d like to improve. Add a bit of humor by saying, “Think of it as your personal therapist, but you don’t have to pay for it!” This promotes self-awareness and helps them see the value of encouragement in their daily lives.

5. The “Plank” Challenge

Introduce the “Plank” Challenge, where each family member identifies something they want to improve on for the week. I don’t know about your household, but my kids LOVE a challenge. Make it a fun family game-show by saying, “Let’s see who can conquer their planks better than a reality TV contestant!” At the end of the week, everyone can share their progress, and perhaps the winner gets to choose the next family movie night feature. It’s a playful way to foster accountability and growth!

6. Interactive Discussions

Use real-life events or popular shows to discuss how characters handle criticism and encouragement. You might say, “Let’s channel our inner detectives and solve the case of the missing compliments!” Encourage your preteens to think critically about how they can apply these lessons in their own lives, making the discussions both engaging and relatable.

7. Teamwork Encouragement Games

Homeschooling is all about teamwork! Incorporate teamwork games that encourage collaboration. Activities like the trust fall or a scavenger hunt can teach the importance of encouragement in achieving common goals. Kids need the chance to focus on cooperation in a world that focuses so intensely on competition. Afterward, ask your kids, “Did we work together like peanut butter and jelly or more like oil and vinegar?” This playful reflection helps them see the value of supporting one another.

Statements to Remember:

– “Before you point fingers, check for planks!”

– “Encouragement: the gift that keeps on giving—no wrapping required!”

– “Be the reason someone smiles today, not the reason they roll their eyes!”

Encouragement is Key

As homeschool parents, you have the unique opportunity to instill powerful values in your children through everyday interactions. James 5:19-20 teaches us valuable lessons about self-reflection and encouragement. Teaching these lessons to your kids doesn’t have to feel like a chore! By infusing humor and creativity into your lessons, you can create an atmosphere of positivity and growth in your home. Remember, it’s all about nurturing a mindset where self-improvement and encouragement go hand-in-hand. So, embrace the laughter, tackle those planks, and enjoy the enriching journey of homeschooling together!

"My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins." - James 5:19-20 (NLT)Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

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