The Child In Our Hands

What if we steered clear of language that evaluated our children? What if we avoided language that judged a child's character or ability?

What if we avoided words like 'stupid', 'clumsy' and 'bad''? Instead we could use our words to describe what we see and feel, and in doing so give our children categories to do the same.

We would help ourselves articulate our own feelings, and mentor our children in that ability. We could help open up new worlds of possibility for them.

What if we never answered their questions or dilemmas with insult? What if we were more of an advocate for them? Don't they already face enough judges, jurors and prosecutors in their young lives?

Love is wealth.

Matthew 18
"I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me.

But if you give them a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you'll soon wish you hadn't. You'd be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck. Doom to the world for giving these God-believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don't have to make it worse—and it's doomsday to you if you do."