Who is really right? Family mission teaches lots.

           “Mom, Paije tried to take this stuffed animal away from me.” Said Londyn. 

            Then Paije said, “But Mom, she never asked me if she could use it and it is mine.”

            “But Paije just left it lying on the couch, and she was done playing with it.” 

            “Mom, she should have asked permission before using the animal.”

            This is exactly the situation when a family mission to create a certain feeling in the home comes in really handy.  I would say, “Paije, I understand that you are upset that Londyn didn’t ask your permission before using your toy.  Londyn, I understand that you felt it was OK to use the animal, because it was left out and not in use.  I also understand that you feel it is wrong for Paije to pull toys away from you.  Both of you are right and both of you are wrong.  It is wrong to take toys away from other people, and to leave toys out, and to not ask permission to use other people’s toys.  However, you are both only thinking of yourselves.  This is selfish and wrong.  Since our family is dedicated to making a home full of love and kindness, we need to care about what other people might be thinking and what would make the other person happy instead of just thinking of ourselves.”

            “I want both of you girls to think of what you can do to show love to your sister.  Also, think of something you can do right now to make your sister happy.” 

            The sisters in this story, immediately realized that they were working against the family mission.  Paije told Londyn that she could play with the stuffed animal until dinner time and gave her a big hug.  Londyn smiled and asked Paije if it was really OK if she played with the toy.  She told Paije that she would go put the animal away for her if she wanted her to.  Each girl experienced a change of heart.  Experiencing a change of heart is the greatest teacher of all. 

            Talk about mission a lot.  If you do, the whole family will be ready to change their hearts if they sense that they are working against the family mission.