Nurturing Great KidsNäide

Work It Out

If we take this verse literally and apply it to family life, we can see the importance of teaching our children to love each other and be understanding. We can mandate this behavior for the first few years, but there comes a point when they will have to make their own decision to be careful and not wrong each other. To be absolutely conflict-free would be almost unthinkable. But to expect your children to forgive each other and not allow disagreements to ruin their relationship is a fair ask.

When they are young, help them settle their disputes. As they age, give them the skills to handle them on their own. Help them understand each other’s personalities—a biggie! Don’t label your children with descriptive terms that put them in a box and make this reconciliation process difficult! If you see walls being built up against each other, be sure to help or ask if they want your help in leveling these walls.

Life will give siblings plenty of opportunity to disagree. Your goal is to teach them resolution skills, and then as they become adults you must let them work it out on their own.

Parenting Principle

Help your children work it out and work yourself out of it.

Points to Ponder

How capable are you at resolving conflict between siblings?

How did you learn the skills you have?

Are there differences now that you need to resolve?

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.