My two older kids fight. A lot. More than most siblings do, in my opinion. What's worse is when the two year old gets involved. They fight with words, pokes, shoves, and general meanness.
As we try to model and live our lives in the context of a biblical worldview, this is really difficult to see as parents. I decided to demonstrate how to stop fighting.
As a little object lesson, the children and I went outside.
I had them stand fairly close together, and I asked them to play catch. After a few minutes, I quietly instructed Brother to drop the ball.
We then discussed why the game stopped immediately. Then, we talked about fighting and arguing and how if one person stops the words, the arguing just stops.
I told the children to remember to "drop the ball" later if an argument began. Later that day, I overheard one child say to other to drop the ball. Hmm. Not quite what I was looking for, but it wasn't long before we had the chance to remember to "drop the ball."
We've had plenty of opportunities to "drop the ball"- even me. Is this a lesson your children (or you) need today?
If you like this post, please read...
Say Yes
Taming the Child Collector
Fruit of the Spirit Object Lesson and Snack
Fruit of the Spirit Printable
~ Annette
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Ohhhh I remember those days! Very smart idea, it helps curb those young emotions that can be so volatile at that age and they just need to be re-directed and slowed down a bit.
ReplyDeleteLove it! I wish more parents taught that these days :-)
This is a great object lesson! I only have one child, so sibling squabbles aren't a thing in my house....but I'm going to admit that I could probably use the lesson/reminder for myself when it comes to certain people in my life.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a lesson we can all use.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this lesson with us!!
ReplyDeleteMy girls argue constantly....it.never.stops! And, they are 4 & 6 :(
ReplyDeleteI like this idea. My three certainly have their moments, and the end of summer is always the WORST! We are ready to go back to school and not see quite so much of each other, LOL!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, Annette! I might have to use it here at the House of Hope. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWe talk A LOT about being a team. I have two that are currently getting on each other's nerves a lot. So we have a 'time out" (?) together - where they have to sit still, hold hands, and sing songs together.
ReplyDeleteKind of weird but it usually gets them to relax with one another again and also have fun singing (very loudly). It hits the "reset" button. I like the drop the ball idea as well. I'll have to remember that!!