How will you interact with the little lives, and little hearts, in your home when the heat gets turned up this summer?
Following are two fictional moms, Carol and Amber, as each interacts with her fictional child throughout the day. The dialogue below was created to simply ask you to stop and think about how your attitudes, words and habits can influence the temperature in your home.
How much of this sounds like your day?
This is Amber
I didn’t sleep at all last night. The neighbor’s cats howled non-stop.
Turn the TV down! I have a splitting headache!
Put down the iPad and come eat breakfast. I’m not going to tell you again. Do you want Frosted Flakes or Sugar Pops? Yes, you can watch in front of the TV. Just don’t spill your Coke all over the couch.
I can’t come in there. I’m loading the dishwasher and trying to pick up the house. It’s a wreck.
If you’re hungry, there are some powdered donuts in the pantry.
Goodness! The morning is flying by and it’s almost time for your swim lessons. I’ll fold these clothes later.
Grab your beach towel. You didn’t hang it up yesterday? Where is it? In the car? Wet from yesterday? I told you to bring it in. You never listen to me.
I don’t have anything for lunch. I forgot to get bread. Get in the car. I have to go to the store.
Yes, you can play on my I-Pad. I have hours of work to do this afternoon.
Sure, Austin can come play and spend the night. Maybe then I’ll get some time to myself.
After you finish your baseball game, hop in the shower.
Good night.
Anything ringing any bells? Now… the mom below, Carol, has the same 24 hours as the mom above. What from Carol’s day might you weave into your day to gift your children with a love for the Lord, spiritual habits, family responsibilities, healthy physical habits, and an attitude of gratitude? Select one to implement this week.
This is Carol
Good morning! God’s given us a beautiful day!
Do you remember the Bible verse on the mirror in your bathroom? It’s right above the sink where you wash your hands. When you can say it by memory, you get to add a star! Yay, for you! You got almost all of it right. Let’s read our devotional now.
Put the bread in the toaster, please, while I scramble the eggs.
Thank you for rinsing your plate and putting it in the dishwasher.
After you make your bed and get dressed, you can go outside.
There are apples and watermelon in the refrigerator if you want a snack.
Goodness! The morning is flying by. It’s 10 am. Help me fold and put away these clothes before we go swimming.
After you hang up your wet towel outside and put on dry clothes, we’ll have lunch.
Would you rather wash the fruit or make the sandwiches?
I’m going to pay the bills and do some work while you read for 30 minutes; then you can watch a show.
Yes, that’s fine for Austin to come play and spend the night.
After you finish your baseball game, hop in the shower.
Before we say goodnight prayers, let’s write down what we’re grateful for today. “Thank You, God, that Austin got to come play.”
Sweet dreams. I love you.
Be purposeful to gift your children with habits that will bless them for life!
[verse reference=”Ephesians 6:4″]Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (NAS)[/verse]
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your instructions that teach us how to live and how to raise our children. Help us raise them with healthy spiritual, physical, and emotional disciplines that will carry them through life.
