Mother’s Day Gift Idea

Marlene, a mother, was raising Hannah, a very strong-willed seven-year-old, and the two were having a bad day. 

Finally, Hannah put her hands on her hips in exasperation and said, "You know, Mom, this just isn't working out.  I want a new mother."

Marlene, a very bright woman, knew exactly how to handle the situation.  Without flinching, she said, "Well, I think we can arrange that, I know someone who would love to have another child."

She went to the telephone and pretended to call a neighbor.  After faking a greeting, she said, "Hannah has decided she doesn't want to live here anymore, and I was wondering if you would like to have her come be your little girl?"

Hannah's bluff had backfired.  She immediately ran to her mother and said, "No, no, no, Mom!  Let's give it another shot."

You know that clashes like this between mothers and daughters are standard fare, even when the kids are young.  Raising a tough-as-nails child is no easy task, and at times you need the wisdom of Solomon to keep her on track. 

And yes, it is more difficult now than in the past because of cultural intrusions.  Yet, staying in touch with each child emotionally should be a matter of the highest priority.  You have to hang in there until the upheaval passes.

A new book by Dr. James Dobson, America's foremost authority on parenting, tackles questions mothers have, offering wisdom and encouragement based on a firm foundation of biblical principles.  Perhaps, boomer grandparents might consider giving this gift to their favorite young mothers for Mother's Day to be celebrated on Sunday, May 9th…

 James C. Dobson: Bringing Up Girls: Practical Advice and Encouragement for Those Shaping the Next Generation of Women