Comments on: Hands Off? When It’s Hard to Be Quiet

By: Betty J Draper

Betty J Draper — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 21:11:31 +0000

I so agree, a listening ear is needed more than a speaking advice mouth. If we listen often they just might ask us for advice.

By: April Harris

April Harris — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 14:30:41 +0000

It is hard not to give unsolicited advice, yet I remember how upset I was as a new parent when I received it! You have written so beautifully and wisely on this emotive subject, Lisa. I appreciate you sharing with the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Thank you! Have a wonderful weekend.

By: Lisa Jordan

Lisa Jordan — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 12:13:58 +0000

I love this post. I listen to the old wives’ tales from my mother’s generation and shake my head. I’m sure my sons’ generation is thinking that about us. I don’t want to be one of those nagging women who feels her opinion is the only correct one. I love what you said here–Yet part of our wisdom requires our exercise of discernment, knowing what to share and what not to share, when to step in and when to back off. I made so many parenting mistakes that I’d had to see passed onto the next generation. I just pray and ask God to help them to be the best parents possible.

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 01:16:03 +0000

In reply to Lauren Renee Sparks. Lol. I'm just spewing out the overflow from my own head, Lauren. :) I'm using up all my patience trying to keep quiet. God's having to work overtime in supplying me with fresh amounts every morning.

By: Lauren Renee Sparks

Lauren Renee Sparks — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 19:15:29 +0000

Okay, okay. I get it. Quit getting in my head. Ha!

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 20:38:46 +0000

In reply to Donna.

This is often the hardest thing for me: “And I don’t have to be johnny on the spot with advice–nothing wrong with waiting until asked.” Sometimes I think the advice just can’t wait. But almost always, it can. lol. And when later comes, I realize maybe it wasn’t as needed in the moment as I thought. I’m learning the hard way too, Donna. And just when I think I’ve got it, I prove that I don’t. Our kids need patience with us as much as need patience with them. 🙂

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 20:35:35 +0000

In reply to Debbie Wilson.

Thanks, Debbie. And that reminds me of James 1:19:
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

This advice has been going around for a long time. 🙂 And yet we still need it as much as ever.

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 20:34:19 +0000

In reply to Lois Flowers.

“tried her best” – That’s all we can expect from others AND from ourselves. I have to give myself grace when I try and try to be quiet, but finally something does come out unsolicited. 😉 Granted, sometimes we do need to speak up for everyone’s good. But those times are likely far fewer than we think. lol. Praying for you as you negotiate those in-between years of childhood and adulthood with your college daughter, Lois. Those are some tricky years but also wonderful ones!

By: Donna

Donna — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 20:34:06 +0000

Lisa, GREAT advice here. I have learned the hard way to hold my tongue. I didn’t really feel I was being judgmental, but the point is, it came across that way. I had to learn to be intuitive, just as I was as a parent, in tune with the nuances of each child, to know when to speak. And I don’t have to be johnny on the spot with advice-nothing wrong with waiting until asked. Besides, we raised our kids to release them; and that means sometimes it’s trial and error for them too, but we are the safety net!

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 20:32:08 +0000

In reply to Lydia C. Lee. Indeed it is! One of the hardest things as a human. :)