On my train ride home, a woman walked in with her daughter and sat down beside me. The little girl, who was about three, was crying and screaming “I don’t want to ride the train. I want to ride the bus right now!” She kept repeating it over and over. I felt for her mom who must have been embarrassed, as everyone on the train was looking at them.
But how do you deal with a 3 year old who has her mind set on something she wants? As any experienced mother knows, the best way to handle a tantrum is to ignore it. To her credit, the mother did just that, gently speaking to the child that they had to take the train and would soon be getting off. But the screaming went on for about 20 minutes until they reached their station.
I’m glad I’m way past that child rearing stage. But some things don’t change, although roles have been reversed. Just the other day, I blew my top over my teenage son’s huge cell phone bill. He took it gently while I yelled at him. I went back to my room, embarrassed at my outburst. Good thing we weren’t on a train.
Like that 3 year old, I still need to learn a lot about controlling my emotions and taming my tongue.
Brothers, even if a person is caught in some transgression, you who are spiritual should correct that one in a gentle spirit, looking to yourself, so that you also may not be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)
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