Hey, That’s Not Fair!

“Mom, he got more ice cream than I did.” “Why did he get to choose a cookie first and take the biggest one?”

“Hey, why did she get to choose the show to watch?”

These are common words of children. Whining can escalate when it is not nipped in the bud. Terry decided she’d change things up for her family.

The next time a child complained that a sibling got more ice cream or a bigger slice of cake, she responded sweetly, “I would not want you to lie, and since I worked hard to share the food evenly, I will make sure your words are true.” She scooped ice cream or part of the cake from the grumbler and put it on the sibling’s plate. She added, “I work hard to make cookies and use the same size scoop for each one. I always hope you will be happy to get a treat.” When one complained about a show, that child missed out on watching anything. That quickly stopped the comparisons and complaining.

Terry wanted grateful hearts, not ones seething with jealousy. They chatted as a family about grateful hearts and being thankful for whatever they receive. She asked. “Would it be better if I blindfold all of you before dessert, so you would not be tempted to compare portions?” They didn’t want that. Then she offered treats for anyone ready to praise God for the blessing of a snack. As they munched, each expressed thanks for a blessing. Terry also made sure she praised God and her children aloud.

Today’s Mom Step: Be a role model by being grateful and not comparing or grumbling.