Revisiting an old issue

Self esteem has lost its status over the last few years and isn't discussed nearly as often as it used to be. However, in the lives of children it is still something we need to consider. Children value themselves to the degree that they have been valued. Ouch! Does your child feel valued by you? What about when you have had "one of those days"---wake up late, nobody likes their breakfast or the clothes you laid out the night before, it is raining outside, the dog tracks muddy paw prints everywhere, library books are left sitting on the kitchen table, difficult day at the office, etc, etc. We've all had these, how do they impact our attitude and actions towards our children? I'm certainly not suggesting the love with no limits philosophy. However, it is important for parents to put themselves in their children's shoes and consider what messages are being sent in their direction. If we want respect from our kids, are we giving it to them? If we don't want them to talk back to us, are we speaking calmly and kindly to them? It is up to us to make our children feel loved, important, respected, capable....all of the things we desire to feel as well. Remember to model the behaviors you would like to have reciprocated!! "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1