On Valentines morning, I videoed the kids opening their cards from their grandparents since we live a ways apart. As I am narrating this sweet video (no pun intended!) Micah started loudly talking over me and just as quickly I went from sweet-narrator to angry-mom-mode snapping, “Micah I am talking! Stop interrupting me!” Nothing like my in-laws getting a close up view of my kind, loving parenting skills on Valentines Day.

Kids interrupt. As early as their first words and on into adulthood they will continue to interrupt unless trained otherwise. At first it is an annoyance to parents. When they grow older it is disrespectful. As adults, it becomes a way to aggressively dominate by overtly dismissing the thoughts and concerns of others as unimportant.

As I have mentioned before, Brian and I believe parenting needs to be intentional with long-sighted goals. We want our children to grow into adults who value others, have healthy listening skills and are able to confidently share their own thoughts and concerns.

I did some research and discussed with Brian how we want to approach this.  In my Friday post I will share my research results as well as what we have personally decided to do.

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Pray for them

Valuing others goes beyond words, it is a belief that fuels our actions. Let us pray that the truth of God will take root in the hearts of our loved ones so that they will life a life of value and honor toward others.

Lord, I ask you to continue to shape (Name’s) character into one of honor and justice. As Joseph was “a just man and unwilling to put [Mary] to shame,” I pray (Name) will also be a (man/woman) of justice who sees people through your eyes and who is therefore resolved not to shame anyone, but rather to live a life that honors others. In Jesus’ name, amen. – Matthew 1:19

Prayers taken from the BiblicalPrayers mobile app. Download today on the App Store or Google Play store.

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Creamy Ranch Pork Chops

• 1 1/2 lbs Pork Chops
• 6-8 medium Potatoes
• 1 can Cream of Chicken soup
• 1 can Cream of Mushroom
• 1 package of dry egg noodles
• 2 packages dry Ranch Dressing
• 1 cup Milk
• Sliced green onions (garnish)

Combine soup, ranch mix and milk until smooth. Add in potatoes and raw pork chops. Cook in a dutch oven for 1hr 20 minutes in a preheated 400 degree oven.