Last night we had a little problem-solving conversation with Sammi. She has been having some trouble with a friend at school. Her friend is a bit bossy and sometimes just rude. Sammi is learning how to handle this. At first she was telling the teacher everytime something would happen. This resulted in her and her friend being parted and having to stay on seperate areas of the playground (Sam on the grass, friend on the blacktop). Anyhow, this has been bothering Sammi for a few weeks now. Her friend just has some rude reactions to things, and I personally think she takes advantage of Sammi's niceness (It use to happen to me ALL the time as a kid). We are working on ways to handle people who are not always nice and friendly -- as friends SHOULD be!
So, last night Charles and I sat down to talk with her about it in a casual conversation. Then Charles said, "Wait, I'll get the guitar!" At first I thought, great, background music (distracting). Then as he started playing, instead of talking, I sang a question to Sammi about her troubles --with lovely guitar background music. Sammi then sang a response to me, Charles joined in the singing conversation, and on and on it went. I was cracking up -- it was a VERY effective way to communicate with her! By the end we had a solution to her problem and she felt ready to deal with it! It was the craziest, most inspiring, family counseling time I have ever had! I HIGHLY recommend it!
If you ever wonder what your life would be like as a musical . . . just try it and see! It was SO GREAT!
What an interesting, creative way to work through such a sensitive problem! Who knew!!??
ReplyDeleteFriends are such an issue, aren't they? They can either make your life wonderful, or miserable!! I am so thankful for you, Mari, and what a good friend you have always been, and are to my daughter!! I have thanked our Heavenly Father for you on more than one occasion!!
Lots of love!!
Mari, I dont know if you remember me, (aurie Bailey). I was looking at Lisa Clames blog and some how found yours. I was pleasently surprised. :O) How are you doing? You have beautiful children.
ReplyDeleteHi Aurie!
ReplyDeleteOf course I remember you! We were in 6th ward Young Womens together -- long, long ago. Also, your mom was my Math teacher in High School! How is she doing? I checked out your blog -- what a beautiful family! How beautiful you have become!! :-) Glad to hear from you!