CH4 - The Spiritual Gift of Criticism: Improvement

[Joanie]

The key, for me, to criticizing our children is to keep in mind that our criticism should "prepare a way for them to improve."
When I get angry because they have done something wrong and I don't teach them the right way, I condemn them rather than help them.
My son had a teacher last year that just told him his paper was wrong--go back and fix it. He didn't really understand what he had done wrong or how to fix it. This year his teacher gives him very concrete things that need to be fixed...make sure the f touches the top line, give enough space between your words, etc. He has improved a lot and is more secure.
I want to be like the second teacher for my children and my spouse and others.

[Erudite]

Joanie, you're amazing. I remember another posting where you said that you realized that sometimes your kids doing their jobs wrong was partly your fault in not teaching them right. I have thought of that so many times as I try teach my kids something...again. This too is such a good reminder of what's important and how to be. Doesn't our Heavenly Father do so much the same thing for us? He lets us know that something is wrong and as soon as we ask and listen, there's an answer on how to fix it. Oh that we all might develop the same skill!!