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!
Love this!