needs that were evident in seed form in childhood years.
(^) Self-possessed qualities are still another aspect of the child’s
relationship with himself. Is he able to stick to a task without external
props? Is he able to work independently? Is he dependent on the
approbation of others, or is he more self-possessed?
(^) You need to understand your child’s development in these areas so
you can shepherd him. You need to ask the proper questions, to draw
out his ideas about himself so that you can point him to Christ in
ways that address the thirst of his soul.
The Child in Relationship to Others
(^) What are your child’s relationships? How does he interact with
others? What sorts of relationships does he have? What does he bring
out in others? Are his relationships even or is he always in control or
being controlled? Does he fawn for the attention of others?
(^) Is he pleasant with other children his age? How does he deal with
disappointment in people? How does he respond to being sinned
against? What are areas of relational strength? What are the
weaknesses?
(^) In the Christian school, Genny was the take-charge type. She was
a born CEO. She told the girls whether their clothes were right. She
informed everyone what they should wear to school the next day. If
she planned to have braids, the other girls should have braids too.
When it was time for recess, she chose the game. Then she chose the
teams!
(^) Her teacher understood the issues. She could have told Genny not
to be so bossy. But she knew that while Genny might try to obey,
eventually the bossiness would resurface. So she chose to help Genny
in a better way. She worked with Genny’s parents to understand
Genny’s overbearing manner. Together, they helped Genny to see
herself, to see what she was doing to others, to see how she was trying
to control people, to see that she was getting comfort for her heart