Episode 6: That Is So Not You: Separating Your Child's Behavior From Their Identity

*One of the most common mistakes Christian moms make is turning a child's behavior into their identity: "you're such a liar," "you're so lazy," "why do you always...?" We don't mean to. It slips out in the hard moments. But children believe the names we give them, and they grow into whatever we keep speaking over them.* In this episode of *Raising Children Who Love God*, Dr. Rita shares a three-generation moment in the car, the day her young daughter called her a liar and her own grandmother gently taught a better way, and unpacks one of the most important shifts you'll ever make as a mother: learning to separate what your child *does* from who your child *is.* Because behavior is something we *do*, not something we *are* and that means it can change, mature, and grow wiser. **In this episode:** - Why labels, even the "nice" ones like *the shy one* or *the smart one*, become a script your child lives out - The identity that belongs at the center: a child of God, deeply loved (1 John 3:1) - How God Himself does this, calling Gideon a "mighty warrior" while he's hiding in fear - The reframe to practice: "You told a lie" instead of "You are a liar" and the powerful "that is so not you" - Why Proverbs 6:20–22 is first a call to *the parent*, not just the child - The prayer to pray over your children: *"Lord, remind them that they are Yours."* **Scriptures:** 1 John 3:1 • Judges 6:12 • Proverbs 6:20–22 Watch your words, my friend, you're writing a name your child will wear for life. Make it the name God gave them. It's not simple, but it *can* be done. 🌱 **Free gift:** Download *ROOTED: 7 Scriptures Your Child Needs to Know* every one speaks to who your child is in God. (Comment or text **ROOTED**, or visit 4thisgeneration.com.) *New episodes every Tuesday. Follow so you never miss one.* **Equipping moms. Discipling children. Impacting generations.**