This is my daughter, Katie, receiving one of the many awards she won at her college’s art show this past weekend. If it sounds like I’m bragging a bit and am very proud of her, I am. She has worked very hard for a long time to attain her goals. Our family attended her show and celebrated her. She loved being celebrated.

 

Our kids need to be celebrated. In the good times—yes—but more so when, and especially when, they don’t deserve it. This month my new book, Love No Matter What: When Your Kids Make Decisions You Don’t Agree With, is released. Katie was the inspiration for the book. In the book both she and I tell our stories of her difficult teen and young adult years. But in those times she still needed to be celebrated. She needed to hear affirmation and positive words. Some days it was hard to find something positive to affirm or a way to encourage that didn’t sound like I was trying to fix her.

 

What can you brag on about your kid today? Better yet, brag on him to him or in his presence. It will mean the world to him and in doing so you will be investing in a relationship with your child that will last a lifetime.

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.