You know, creating a home that is a place of peace and refuge is about more than just keeping it clean. You might even say that cleaning can be the EASIEST part of it, when you consider that there is a whole other layer that affects the atmosphere.
Of course, I'm talking about family attitudes.
I mean, what good is it if your house is spotless, is perfectly decorated, has fabulous food on the table, and then the people are all grumpy? It only takes one whiny child to start spreading unhappiness and gloom throughout your entire household.
Or one whiny parent, but we don't have to go there specifically today. :)
Helping children develop positive, "can-do" attitudes is a long endeavor, but reaps wonderful rewards. Somehow, kids don't need to be taught how to cry, throw themselves on the floor and wail when they don't get their way. They instinctively know how to pout and carry on. But it will take years of patient correction and teaching for them to learn self control and develop the kind of character that is able to be pleasant, even when things don't go their way.
Today's Small Thing is to be aware of the attitudes that happen in your house today. Sometimes, we get so used to hearing whining from our children that we don't even notice that we are being manipulated by their crocodile tears and self pity. We can do our kids a huge favor by having them make requests in normal voices, and offering simple consequences if need be. We want them to learn how important having a good attitude is, and how much better life is when they realize that the world does not revolve around them.
Most of the time, I've found that I don't have to get mean about policing attitudes. Sometimes, just mimicking their outrageous whines makes them realize the folly of their ways. Other times, changing the subject or being silly or having them do something funny breaks the cycle of sorrow that a child might be clinging to. If whining or sulking has become a habit, you might have to make it an objective infraction that requires stronger consequences.
It will take years, about 18 of them, to work on this issue with your children. It can be exhausting and discouraging at times. But when you start seeing your children develop into kind, happy family members, you'll be blessed beyond measure. And you'll know the true feeling of sanctuary, because it will run deep within your relationships.
POINTS: 50 for working on attitudes: encourage gratitude, kindness and pleasantness! If you don't have children at home, how about checking your own attitude? Mine can always use some work!
Want to have some fun? How about "ticketing" attitude offenders? Here's a silly citation you could use to help enforce the law of kindness. Download Attitude Citation
