Talking At or With?

Parenting is hard. It involves being an adult and looking at things differently. It requires me to think first about the other person and what they are feeling. It brings up my own issues of abandonment, authority, respect, love and trust. It is about recognizing that I am tired, or upset about something else or hungry or feeling overwhelmed. Then I take a breath, reach out to God for strength and calm, and focus on the person in front of me.When someone acts differently than I think they should have, the reason behind that action always surprises me. And if I approach them from my own limited viewpoint with my agenda uppermost, I have stopped any communication before it begins. Even if I would have approved of their reasoning, I may never know, because they clammed up and did not trust my reactions.Listening, from a calm peaceful heart, with love and respect, leads to communication, healing and bonding.Proverbs 18:13 Anyone who answers without listening is foolish and confused.James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily