Poor Richard

We were reading some of Poor Richard’s Almanac today and we found something that really applies to self government. 

“He that cannot bear with other people’s passions, cannot govern his own.”  ~Benjamin Franklin

We simply cannot let the behaviors of our children bother us.  They are growing and are imperfect.  If we allow their passions to bring out our passions, then we will never be the example of self control that we want them to become.  If we are out of control, it is impossible to teach correct behaviors. 

If you feel your passions taking control over you, take a time out and call upon a higher power for a calming influence.  Then analyze and teach with love.