Paul, last episode we received a couple of questions from parents who were looking for specific help,

and this one is another one, but it's taken straight from your book Parenting 14 Gospel Principles.

In the chapter on character, you describe a scenario of a stressed out mom with three kids.

She is an hour until visitors arrive

and her kids are playing a video game

in the other room and not offering to help.

You wrote that most parents would be delighted

to have their kids entertained and out of the way,

but this scenario actually reveals

a lack of character in the children's heart.

The question from a grandmother is,

what specific words would you have used as a parent in the children's heart. The question from a grandmother is,

what specific words would you have used as a parent in the situation to address your children and their lack of character?

First thing I'd say is get a hold of your own heart and emotions first.

If your emotions are raging, you're not ready to deal with this situation because you'll do and say things you shouldn't do.

Second thing I would say is this is really important.

When you enter this kind of situation, you're disappointed what your children are going to do. They are not directly disobeying you, but they're being unloving and unkind and making a bad choice.

Don't start by making statements.

Don't start with judgment.

I can't believe you do such a thing.

Or threat, guilt, shame, or consequences.

Start by asking questions.

...