Teaching our kids to T.H.I.N.K. (& a free printable)

Last week, the kids and I had a serious talk.  We were having our morning devotions together and reading a lesson through the book of James.  Love that book!  The book and our lesson, challenged us to consider our words and how we use them towards each other.  The power of the tongue can lift up or tear down. It's such a small part of our physical body, yet it can do so much damage.  Why is it so easy to allow the words that come out of our mouths to be so harsh- especially to those in our own family- those we love the most?    In light of all we were learning that morning, we decided to challenge ourselves.  We decided to T.H.I.N.K before we speak a word.

My kids have the typical spats brothers and sisters engage in, but I've never found that to be "excusable" behavior.  Yes, we home school, and we're together all day, everyday, so there is bound to be some disagreements.  Our "guards" can be down at times and we speak a little to "freely" in the name of being "honest".  It may be honest, but it lacks grace and love.  The Bible tells us to speak the truth in love, so that's what we as a family are working on doing better.  So for the last week, we've implemented T.H.I.N.K.  Are our words True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and  Kind?  It has caused  us all to consider our words and tone carefully.

Don't get me wrong.  We have a lot of great times here in Lewisville, and for the most part, my kids get along really well.  They are amazing, wonderful kids.  There are moments though,where we can all do better when it comes to our speech- a lot better. We are learning (again) to allow only those conversations that are full of grace and seasoned with salt.  The kids have never been allowed to cuss, or call each other names, laugh at someone's mistakes, or put anyone down.  They do, however, revert to the other side of the spectrum by "correcting" each other, interrupting each other, giving each other "advice" when it's not asked for, or giving "instruction" (bossy).  It's the typical sibling stuff.  Their young minds forget for a brief second that they already have mom and dad that do those jobs quite well- thank you very much.

Always neat and colorful.  That's my girl!

 I'm including myself in this T.H.I.N.K.ing lesson.  At times, I'm guilty as charged.  I know we as parents set the example for our kids, and WE are responsible for what we do and don't allow in our home.  With that in mind, I'm working on loving my kids with kindness, as in not allowing myself to loose patience and....dare I say it...yell.  As a mom, as a Christian, I need to be led by the Spirit, not by my emotions or frustrations.  I have to "practice" patience and for me, that starts with my own personal time in God's word each morning.  If I'm patient, my kids will be patient with each other.  If I'm speaking with kindness, my kids will follow.  If I'm giving words of inspiration, my kids will encourage others.  That's who I want to be.  That's who I want my kids to be.

He likes to use his own fonts and always with the cars.  He's one of a kind I tell you!

So the kids (and mom) made their own reminders about T.H.I.N.K.ing.  We each put our artist hats on and made personal reminders on what to do before we speak.  As unique as each of my kids are, so are their T.H.I.N.K. projects.  They each put their own little flair onto their papers.  Yes, I know there are spelling errors, but I'm not grading them on that.  The true test is what happens after in the next few days, weeks, months, and years.  It's not about one lesson; it's about a life lesson.

Notice the needle that threads the letters together.  So creative!

We put all the art projects right on the fridge as a continuous reminder.  I don't usually put things on the fridge because it makes things looks messy, but we're going to make an exception here in Lewisville for a while.
And if you're wondering how we're all doing with T.H.I.N.K.ing, well, we still have our moments; but  our conversations, tone, and word choices are certainly improving.  Patience with each other, especially big sisters with little brother, will always be tested, but again, T.H.I.N.K.ing has helped us.

By the way, if you would like to print out T.H.I.N.K. for your home, click HERE.  It's free and all I ask is that you  follow Lewisville Love on either Facebook, Twitter, email, or GFC.  Feel free to pin it too.  WooHoo!  My first printable for you all! 

Hope you are all inspired to T.H.I.N.K.  Have a great weekend, everyone!

Blessings,

Lisa

I link all my projects with some wonderful blogs.  To visit them, go to the {Link Party Love} page found at the top of this page on the {Home} bar.
Also linking to:
Between Naps on the Porch
Savvy Southern Style
No Minimalist Here
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Saved by Love Creations 
Miss Mustard See
Funky Junk Interiors
Coastal Charm 
Restore Interiors
Tip  Junkie