Be Quiet and THINK

Have you heard the acronym THINK?

Before saying something, determine

T -- is it true?
H-- is it helpful?
I -- is it inspiring?
N -- is it necessary?
K - is it kind?

I also like:

If you can't be kind, be quiet. 

I think it's important for kids to remember that it's o.k. to have negative feelings but it's not always necessary to say those thoughts out loud. 

My mom used to say "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".  I think she meant in regards to complaining because there are certainly times when we NEED to say something that's not very nice.  I guess you can still say it kindly though, right? 

For example, you should stand up for yourself in the Target deli when someone budges in front of you in line.  But you can try to be kind about it, until the woman goes off on you, and you find yourself yelling at her and wanting to punch her for being arrogant and selfish.  It's not the best when your girls are standing next to you though.  

But maybe it's o.k.?  Maybe they are realizing you should try kindness first but then you shouldn't let people run all over you.  And then you show your daughters you need to move on and you aren't going to let some horrible woman ruin your day. And you remind your daughters that the mean lady wins if you let it consume you.

Life lessons at the Target deli!