count instead of yell … breathe instead of cry

I’ve been thinking of the principle of nurturing … of mothering … of being a better example to my children.

• Because of my example do my children:
• choose FAITH over fear?
• Count instead of yell?
• see LIGHT over darkness?
• find JOY in work?
• FEAST upon the scriptures?
• choose OPTIMISM over pessimism?
• BREATHE instead of cry?
• speak RESPECTfully?
• PRAY more sincerely?
• find JOY in the journey?
• Smile instead of frown?
• spend TIME wisely?
• SERVE with a heart full of song?
• Keep Calm instead of freaking out?

When my children are upset, if I holler at them to shush, it rarely does anyone any good. If Truman is becoming more intense and louder, if I get down on the floor and give him a soft love and quiet words in his ear, it will (usually!!!) calm him much quicker. When Abe is bouncing around or teasing a sibling, if I gently touch Abe’s shoulder or give him a hug instead of pinching his collar bone (I know – right! sorry!), he might feel greater unconditional love.

• Patience over frustration.
• Composure over imbalance.
• Kindness over grouchiness.
• Calm over anxiety.
• Gentle over stormy.
• Peace over contention.

This really is a good reminder that my example helps set the tone in our family.
Practice makes Progress!