Crisis or Comfort?

We had a problem. For the last several weeks anytime Sarah cried, Josiah would aggressively come over and start hitting her. Not only did I have a sad Sarah to comfort, but then I had to discipline Josiah, and often discipline Sarah for retaliating. It was overwhelming- I couldn't rightly do it all at the same time!

While Dave was home over the Thanksgiving break he saw the same senerio play out a few times, but at least we could divide and conquer to comfort and reprimand. And then it hit us. (Pun intended!) He was trying to comfort her.

Sarah has always had a compassionate heart when it comes to Josiah's sadness. Early on we taught her to pat his back when he was sad. And it was that pat on the back that he was trying to imitate.

So we taught him to gently rub Sarah's back and now we are good to go. It was a grand misunderstanding that has turned into a much appreciated act of kindness. And also a reminder to us as parents- we've got to rely on the Lord, because there is often so much more at play than our eyes can see!