One of the hardest things about moving has been seeing my kids sad. Thankfully, they haven’t had their “moments” all at once, but nonetheless, it can be unbearable for me as Mom to witness their sorrow and anguish over leaving their home, school, church, activities and friends!
As a woman, I know how frustrating it is when I just want to “vent” to my husband, and he tries to “fix” the problem I’m having. Anyone relate??? What I most desire is to be listened to, not directed, “fixed” or corrected.
Because I have personal experience in this area, it has been my goal to affirm my children’s feelings. Providing only comfort and a listening ear. I cannot fix this. I cannot take them back to Minnesota and all that is familiar.
Instead, when I embrace them in their tears, instead of making them feel like they shouldn’t have them, I validate their feelings. And that’s all they really want in the end. Just like I do.
Without words, I can still communicate empathy, and they still know I care.
And even when I’m tempted to resort to “Mommy-mode”, I won’t try to fix it. We can’t go around it, over it or under it. This is something we have to go THROUGH.
But we are going to do it together.
“Treat others as you want to be treated.” Where is God asking you to just listen right now?