What's a six-letter word for the way parents too often communicate with their children?

Try s-c-r-e-a-m.

Cross words so often fly between parents and children that children must surely be puzzled.

After all, parents who love Jesus are supposed to be noted for their love. We are supposed to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. We are supposed to be able to control our cross words.

The book of Proverbs has some great words of wisdom for those who ask, "How do I stop yelling at my kids?" A nine-letter word holds the key: r-e-s-t-r-a-i-n-t.

Look at Proverbs 15:1-2. "A soft answer turns away wrath." To make that work takes self-control. "A harsh word stirs up anger." Harsh words aren't restrained. "The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly." The unrestrained tongue speaks first and checks the facts later. "But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness." A foolish person lets words come out uncontrollably.

When we use cross words to communicate with our children, we must remember how confusing it is. They are puzzled when we don't show the love we talk about. Restraint can end the cross word puzzle.  — Dave Branon