(This post was written by Chuck Carringer, Pastor of Family Ministries)

If you are a parent of more than one child you have likely thought or remarked about the difference of your kids. Children can have the same parents yet be so different. Different in personality, appearance, talents, preferences, etc. As parents we have to celebrate and appreciate the uniqueness of each child. We know that everyone is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Just like our children each of us have natural likes and dislikes, preferred activities and interests. Sometimes it can be a challenge for a parent, especially as their child becomes a teenager, to find common areas of interest. Parents, we must be intentional to never let one or more of our kids feel inferior or not loved because they are wired differently. I speak with adults regularly who reference a feeling as a child where they weren’t as loved as a sibling. Take the example of a Dad who loves sports. He has two kids. One that loves sports and one that doesn’t. The Dad in my example has a natural point of connection, a mutual interest, with the child who enjoys sports. This Dad must be extremely intentional regarding the perception and feelings of the other child. Our children must feel and know that we love them completely regardless of their areas of gifting and interest.

How do you validate the uniqueness of each of your children?