Bringing Calm into the Chaos of Your HomeSýnishorn

Say Less, Listen More

We have so much to say as parents. We want our kids to grow up to love and follow Jesus. The temptation is to lecture non-stop. However, often the more words we use, the greater the stress levels in our homes. When we feel stressed out, we talk faster and use more words than necessary. Unfortunately, stress has a ripple effect. When you feel anxious and are talking fast and using lots of words, your kids are going to absorb all that tension and feel anxious. What’s the answer? When you feel yourself getting anxious, pause. Breathe. Be intentional about talking slowly, softly, and with less words. This is what Solomon was getting at when he wrote, “The one who has understanding holds their tongue” (Proverbs 11:12 NIV).  

As you approach each new day, ask the Holy Spirit to quiet your soul. Ask Him for the grace to say less, especially when you feel stressed. Remember the words that God spoke to Moses in Exodus 14:14 (NIV): “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” As you approach different challenges with your kids, remember the rule: less is more. Talk less. Listen and pray more. The Lord will fight for your kids. He loves them more than you do. 

Pause and Reflect: Have your parenting lectures been effective in shaping your child’s behavior? Why or why not?

Action Step: Today, remind yourself to talk less and listen more throughout the day. When you’re tempted to lecture . . . Stop. Pause. Ask God to set a guard over your mouth.

Pray: Father God, I praise you that you are always fully attentive to me. I praise you that before I cry out to you in prayer, you are completely tuned in. Lord, so often when I see a problem I lecture. Oh God, set a guard over my mouth. Help me today to talk less and listen more. Fill me with the strength to trust that you are pursuing my child’s heart even when I am silent!

Exodus 14:14: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”