I have three children, (daughter, and boy-girl twins) and with my little girl, I recall spending time trying to break down barriers and deal with bullies and selfishness… “This is a BOY’S clubhouse…”, “I am playing with ALL of these…”

But once my twins were of an age to start interacting, it was all about keeping the three of them from being mean to EACH OTHER! They all take turns being Nelson Muntz, or other unsavory characters. I sometimes say that they could fight over dried beans. or dirt. -really. Which doesn’t mean that they do it all the time, but they *are* each other’s primary antagonists. Kids from other families just generally aren’t even in competition.

I am hoping to start seminary (for ECUSA) this fall, and am interested in how you see your ministry evolving and how it continues to evolve over your first years, in case you are looking for suggestions on what to write about.

Peace,

F-M

S-L-O-W-L-Y I found my voice, and learned to speak up for what was fair and right, no matter whose children were misbehaving. It means you end up parenting other peoples children sometimes, but your other choices are either to allow bad behavior to continue, or to withdraw from the situation. I probably withdrew too often, but hey, who taught us ’small child management’ in school?

Do you mind sharing what your denomination is?

This is one of the best pieces I have read!