Open to Suggestion

“Are you planning to mow the grass today?” I asked my teenaged son one day over the summer and he replied with an honest, “Nope.”

I suggested that my teenaged daughter do her laundry last week, and she said no thank you.

Now, as the mom I have a choice to get upset with my kids for seeming to disobey and having bad attitudes, or I can decide if what I am suggesting really matters to me. If it does I need to stop suggesting and tell them what I expect.

When someone is asked if they want to do something, they are being given the right of refusal. Over the years we have taught our children to really listen to what is being asked of them, and make decisions accordingly.

Sometimes, it seems, they listen a little too well!