Whoever came up with the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me!” was a complete idiot!  I saw this Facebook post from a friend and knew it was a “ripe for the picking” teachable moment!

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God knew that I was meant to raise little girls…probably in part because I was such a difficult one..but tonight, mama bear’s heart aches for her little girl..she can’t go to sleep upstairs tonight because she heard that some other little girl that she doesn’t know and who doesn’t know her “hates” her…..said girl labeled her as the one with fake red hair and an annoying voice..I guess maybe our Friday night fun (dying her hair) a few weeks back has backfired.

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I grabbed my copy of Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments, flipped to the topic of “Meanness,” and dove right a conversation with my kids about what had happened to their friend as described in the post.

The beauty of a making use of a teachable moment like this is that our children can learn from other people’s mistakes, which will aide in preventing them from making the same ones on their own.  They could see how the other girl’s words truly hurt their friend.

This real-life example made these Bible verses come alive and will hopefully help them think before they say something ugly about someone in the future. 

Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
Proverbs 11:17

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  Proverbs 12:18

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 5:44

Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:31

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander,
along with every form of malice.
Ephesians 4:31

Are you up for discussing the old “Sticks and stones…” saying with your kids today?