Cheerlead the Other Parent!

By Tammy Daughtry, Founder/Executive DirectorCoParenting International

I often say at our Christian CoParenting Seminars, “Pick out three positive things about your child’s other parent(s) and say them out loud and often to your child.” After people scrunch their eyebrows and look confused, I continue on to say, “Your child knows they are part of you and part of the other parent – they come from you both (bio parents). If you choose words of life and blessing about their other parent, it will build them up in a way that is almost unexplainable! It is a way of giving them freedom to love and celebrate you both – the two people whom they love more than any others in the world! On the contrary, if you choose words of death and destruction about their other parent(s), it will wound them and add to their struggle of what is called the ‘divided self.’ Therefore, choose the positive words and say them often to your children! It is truly one of the best gifts you can give them!”

For bio and step parents: you can also point out positive traits and attributes about the child’s other stepparents in their other home. These same life-giving decisions will impact your children deeply!

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live! Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey Him and commit yourself to Him, for He is your life.

Cheerleading the other parent(s) will build a safe “bridge” for your child’s heart to come and go and to know that they can love all the important parents in their life without having to choose favorites or hear negative and disrespectful comments.

Cheerleading is life-changing! Cheerleading is life-giving!!