When a Child Makes a Mistake

 I wish I could claim this how I respond each time one of my children make a mistake, but sadly I can't.  Like many parents I know there are too many times I react before I think.  There are times when words of frustration and blame precede recognizing they may have already tried to remedy the mistake in some way or I am looking at the wrong mistake.  For instance I walk into the kitchen and see soaking wet towels wadded up in the sink with food poured over them.   My reaction is to ask who created the mess with the wet towels and left it for me to clean up.  A few minutes later I am holding a crying child.  She didn't mean to make another mess.  She used the towels to clean up the spilled milk and then rinsed them in the sink and left them there because they were still wet.  She didn't know her sister was going to throw her left over cereal on top of them.   

Thank goodness I know how to say I'm sorry.  Thankfully I can wrap my arms around her and admit I was wrong by overreacting or not finding out what happened before I decided how to act. I grateful she knows how to still love her imperfect mother.   I end with the compassion, and grace she deserves, but not as soon as I wish I had. 

I don't know about  you, but this is a simple reminder I need to post where I will see it often.  I know  there are more times I remember to show love first and avoid reacting than not.  I know the times I think before I react far outnumber the times I misjudge first.   Even as a raise my third generation of children, I still get to learn and improve.  

So, I encourage you, like me, to take this reminder to heart.  Be kinder, gentler and more compassionate with your children and yourself as often as you can.