Thoughts on Parenting 101

When young children speak ill of people or dislike someone, could it be that their parents are partly responsible? When young children do not like Church people, could it be that their parents speak ill of Church folks at home? The answer to these questions is most likely ‘yes’. We shape our children’s worldview with our words and actions. When we gossip, we sow seeds of distrust in our innocent children’s heart. They deserve to have a positive worldview and see people through God’s eyes.

Ephesians 4:29 (MSG)

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.

What are your thoughts on gossip in the home?

26 Comments

  1. “When we gossip, we sow seeds of distrust in our innocent children’s heart.” Yes! I grew up around gossip and it made me distrustful of others. I became cautious of sharing because I always felt my words would be repeated. By God’s grace, I have changed but it took a long time.

  2. As always I like your thoughts. My kids are proof of what you say. In retrospect I have said things that my adult children now carry with them. Wish I had guarded my tongue better.

  3. Children aren’t born with hatred and distrust it is learned from their elders and whoever they are around. T.H.U.G L.I.F.E this acronym, in my opinion, matches what you are saying ‘The Hate You Give Little Infants F’s Everybody’. Kids are our future and the seeds of hatred should never be sown, but because they are everyone reaps the consequences.

  4. You’re right. We do need to be careful what we say. Children do listen and observe the adults around them and pick up their habits.

  5. I think that adults don’t understand the harm they are causing. Adults have misconceptions about their behavior when children are around. They think that children should do what they say and not as they do, but “more is caught than taught.” However, gossiping shouldn’t be just relegated to just not doing around children, the Bible says don’t do it at all (1 Peter 4:15, Proverbs 6:19).

    1. I like your quote that “more is caught than taught”. Absolutely, gossip should not be a part of our lives. It is hypocrisy to act right only in the presence of certain people.

  6. Sighs. This is so true!.
    I was a victim of this at some point and now I am very intentional about what I hear people talk about around me. If it won’t edify me, I take my leave.

    But the onus really is on parents to be careful of what they share and say about others. The children model the parent’s lifestyle!

  7. That’s so true. Unknowingly we parents, convey and instill our prejudices to our sponge like kids. I’ll admit, there are times when my kids will say something and I am completely aghast. Without consciously preaching them, only saying something casually to my husband reached their ears/brains. Have to do mindful parenting all the time.

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