Category Archives: Kid Stuff

My sweet seven year old came home from school yesterday a little more solemn than usual.  His sober demeanor eventually turned into a seemingly sour attitude.  By this point, I was pretty much over his crabbiness that was even evident in his silence.  I addressed his current position and told him, “There is no reason for your sour attitude.”  After all, we leave for the beach in a few short days.  Life is good for him.  What gives?

As I watched him attempt to compose himself, the thought of asking him what he may be feeling occurred to me.  There ya go, Mom. 

“John Henry, is there something bothering you?”  I finally engaged him.

His response flowed so effortlessly.  A friend had “told a lie about (him).” 

“He said I told him to write on the smart board, and I didn’t.”  He went on to explain.  “He tried to make something he did all my fault.”

I loved on my son and sympathized with him.  I told him how I know that hurts. 

After bedtime readings, we prayed.  I told John Henry we needed to forgive his friend. 

“How do I forgive him?  What do I do?”  He asked.

“You choose to still love him and be his friend.”  This was the best way I knew how to explain such a powerful act to a seven year old.

I reinforced with him that it was okay to still feel hurt.  But, he couldn’t let that hurt affect his friendship.

What if I had never asked John Henry, “Is there something bothering you?”  Perhaps, it was the Spirit’s prompting.  No matter what, I’m glad I didn’t just let it go.  I’m thankful I engaged my son.

Otherwise, I would have failed to acknowledge that he was hurting.

 And, I would have missed a teachable moment on forgiveness.