Meeting Needs

Missy, a lady on the Five in a Row message board posted this list of hers today, and I thought it was great. I know we can't do it all every day, but for me it's good to see a list in one place of things I can do for my children to remind myself of them. And to let me see where I am actually doing well. My weakness, however, is definitely the emotional needs section.


Physical needs

• Am I providing healthy meals and snacks?

• Am I ensuring they have their supplements, vitamins, and any needed meds?

• Are their beds comfortable, cozy and is adequate sleep ensured?

• Have I taken care of details such as fingernails, toenails, and bandaged their boo-boos?

• Have I provided clean, comfortable clothes and shoes that fit?

• Do they have needed supplies such as toothpaste, shampoo, and adequate toothbrushes?

• Have I provided opportunities for them to be active and exercise?

Emotional Needs

• Have I shown them love today?

• Have I affirmed their self-worth?

• Have they felt nurtured, cherished, safe, and loved?

• Have I laughed with them?

• When disciplining, was it done in love and respect?

• Have I made our home a haven for them?

• Have I made them feel special by preparing meals they love?

• Have I listened to them and heard them with my ears, my eyes, my attention, and my heart?

• Have I allowed independence and choice whenever possible?

• Have I valued their input and participation in the family?

• Have I given worth to the things they value?

Spiritual needs

• Have I prayed with them?

• Have I offered to pray for their needs today?

• Have I provided spiritual food in the way of scripture, uplifting music, or sound teaching today?

• Have I directed their hearts toward Jesus?

• Have I set a godly example before them through integrity, prayer, study, relationships and responsibility?

• Have I encouraged their faith?

• Have I shown them how to encourage and help others?

• Have I shown them ways to share the gospel?

• Have I shown them ways to apply scriptures?

• Have we came together as a family to pray, read, study, share, and enjoy God?