With that thought in mind, I have been giving some thought to how I talk to not only other adults, but even more so to my children. Think about it: how do you feel after a rude gesture from a fellow motorist, a sarcastic comment from a spouse or friend that hit you just in the right spot at the wrong time, an insensitive remark from someone? Maybe you are one of those whose back it rolls right off of. I wish I was you (although if that is you, I am going to make a wild guess you struggle with sensitivity in other areas where you need it!) I am fairly thick-skinned and resilient, but I struggle with handling this sort of thing with forgiveness and grace. Certain interactions with others stick with me for longer than I care to hold on to them, infecting my thoughts and mood for a while.
A recent experience with this got me thinking about how I speak to my kids. Now I realize that I am the parent and they are the children and it isn't quite the same rules as between adults. I am allowed, and even required, to speak to them with a bit more authority and sternness at times than I should speak to my friends, but do I ever stop to think how my words and looks and attitudes are making them feel? Yes, they can do a good job ignoring (or, at least, pretending to) a grumpy or frustrated mommy's sarcastic or too loud remarks and demands, but are they really immune to them? I doubt it. We, as the parents of young children, are the most important people and influences in our children's lives. Remember that! Oh, be careful little [mommy] what you say! Handle your child's feelings with care and don't let your frustrations or anger in life cloud your judgement and dull your ability to filter your speech and actions toward them! I sometimes catch myself in the act of treating one of my boys unfairly or speaking to them in a way no adult would ever let me get away with. How sad. I vow to be more vigilant with myself and keep a tighter reign on my tongue, and to attempt to find the "teachable moment" in each situation where correction or sternness is required, rather than resorting to flippant sarcasm or immediate annoyance and negativity!
