My little ones take a lot of physical effort. They need carrying and holding and changing and dressing and feeding and bandaging and tickling, and pushing in the swing…I could keep going but I think the point is made.
My older children take lots of mental and emotional effort. They need to talk…….A LOT! They need counsel. They need a listening ear. They need a very patient mother and father who can listen to their heartaches, complaints and concerns and objections to family rules.
I have found that the key to counseling with my children is to make sure that everything I say is said under the influence of the Holy Ghost.
2 Nephi 33:1 says:
"…when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men."
I feel like this scripture is speaking to me in my role as a mother. It tells me how I can best reach my children in difficult situations. I cannot explain in words the awesome connection I feel with a child, when I am speaking to him under the influence of the Holy Ghost, and when he, in turn is listening and feeling by that same Spirit. There is almost a tangible feeling in the room. Hearts are softened and our communication is pure.
Compare that to the times that I just "react" to something a child says, and start lecturing and giving my opinions without letting the spirit guide me. I get nowhere when I do this. If anything I feel like it makes things worse.
I have children who are going through big challenges in their lives. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I am so grateful for its guidance in helping me to know what to say to my children to help them in their lives.
amen!
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