There is something about kids that challenge every ounce of patience we have. Even the most patient of us can find ourselves at our wits end because of the kids. I am shocked at how flustered I get during the mere process of getting ready to leave the house. I am a mild-mannered person who somehow transforms into a yelling, screaming, crazy woman as kids slowly meander around the house with one shoe on, or suddenly get hungry as we are walking out the door. There are countless situations like this that we face daily. We can take solace and comfort knowing that we are all in this battle together. We are all encountering these challenges and frustrations, and we are all aspiring to grow in our patience to provide a peaceful and God-honoring home for our families. Let’s keep perspective that these frazzled moments are normal and natural and in the midst of the daily grind God is alongside us and waiting to help us. Let’s be a people that are quick to call on Him and help point one another to the peace and patience and comfort that only He can supply.

During a quiet family time, talk about the crazy moments around the house. Point out times when you get upset and impatient (maybe leaving for school in the mornings. getting homework done or getting ready for bed.) Talk about your desire to make those moments more peaceful and talk about ways the family can help one another be more patient during those hot-button times. Ask for each family member to suggest one way to prevent those times from becoming too intense. Suggest a code word that only your family knows that acts as a reminder to keep perspective when you observe one another losing patience.