As a young father, I was confident my children would be perfect. The little humans seemed to have a different vision for their future. Recounting my tales of woe, a friend inquired about my encouragement to correction ratio. After a quick review of the week, my numbers were dismal. My words had been heavily critical and I had been mostly silent in my encouragement.

Recently, a new friend opened up about her relationship with her husband and children. She was fully invested in changing a couple of habits that recently reared their ugly heads and she deeply hurt her husband with careless words. She apologized, immediately started journaling, and reached out to a friend to hold her accountable as she worked to change.

We talked about this magical ratio as a means to make the most of every opportunity with those in our relational circles. I needed to dramatically increase my awareness and be watching for sincere opportunities to encourage my family and fix my ratio. After we parted ways, I realized there was a step beyond my normal practice. I need to confirm those in my relational network that my self-assessment is correct. I would hate to think I was hitting home runs and in reality, I was striking out.

What is your sober assessment of your ratio?

How do those closest to you rate your ratio?

If adjustments need to be made; now is a good time.