Girl With A Red Dress
Today I was in church and sitting in the pew in front of me was a young couple with four children, three girls and one boy. The youngest was a little girl whom I judged to be about 10 months old. This little girl was wearing a bright red dress, a headband with silver stars, and a binky that seemed glued to her mouth.
This little angel was rambunctious and full of energy as she bounced back and forth between her mom and dad. She was up and down hiding behind the back of the bench. Every now and then she would look at me and grab a couple of my fingers that I had teasingly placed where she could find them.
It didn’t take long for me to fall for this little sweetheart but what really caught my attention was the patience and kindness her mother showed her little daughter. The thought crossed my mind that if this mother shows the same patience and kindness towards this daughter when she is a teenager a lifetime, positive relationship will permeate this home. Communication will be open and love will prevail.
Acceptance of our children for who they are and the struggles they must endure will pay long-term dividends as we help them learn who they really are. PLEASE share your suggestions of patience in time of frustration with one or more of your children.
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Anne's Corner
This young couple appears to be well on their way to making their family a safe haven in which their children can thrive. Children are most likely to develop those traits they see modelled in their home. You can help your child develop a healthy sense of their own worth by developing qualities that help people feel safe and connected. Want children who are patient? Kind? Respectful? Put deliberate time and effort into being more patient, kind and respectful to yourself and to others, including your children. What do you say about yourself when you face a challenge, make a mistake or hurt someone’s feelings? What do you say about others, your friends, neighbors, co-workers, children, when they do something irritating or disappointing? Model being accurate, truthful and caring. For example, if you forget to do something, instead of saying, “Oh, I’m so stupid!” try saying something like, “I meant to remember that, I guess I’ll think of a way to remind myself so I can do better next time.” Do the same when speaking to others as well, especially your own child, and you too can be well on your way to making your family a safe haven in which they can thrive.
Anne's Corner
This young couple appears to be well on their way to making their family a safe haven in which their children can thrive. Children are most likely to develop those traits they see modelled in their home. You can help your child develop a healthy sense of their own worth by developing qualities that help people feel safe and connected. Want children who are patient? Kind? Respectful? Put deliberate time and effort into being more patient, kind and respectful to yourself and to others, including your children. What do you say about yourself when you face a challenge, make a mistake or hurt someone’s feelings? What do you say about others, your friends, neighbors, co-workers, children, when they do something irritating or disappointing? Model being accurate, truthful and caring. For example, if you forget to do something, instead of saying, “Oh, I’m so stupid!” try saying something like, “I meant to remember that, I guess I’ll think of a way to remind myself so I can do better next time.” Do the same when speaking to others as well, especially your own child, and you too can be well on your way to making your family a safe haven in which they can thrive. 