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Kind
Tone of Voice Follow-u (As
a family discuss the assignment for the lesson Kind Words.)
Concept Many
times it isn't what is said, but rather how it's said that makes people
happy or unhappy. One way to show kindness is to use a gentle tone of
voice when we speak. It takes great effort at times, but speaking kindly
can become a habit. Our
voices carry a great deal of power and send messages to those around us.
When we speak loudly and harshly, people around us often feel upset. On
the other hand, when we speak kindly it encourages feelings of love,
calmness and respect. As
we speak with gentle tones, we'll discover improved feelings in our
home, and we'll help create a loving atmosphere. Additionally, when our
voice is controlled, we feel better about ourselves than when we lose
control. Because we teach best through our example, those who speak with
gentle voices will be pleased to hear others speak that way too. Another
benefit is that calm voices lead to good behavior. If we want our family
to behave with love towards one another, one of the best things we can
do is to speak gently. It makes sense that the opposite is also true. If
we want others to behave well, one of the worst things we can do is
speak harshly. Using
a kind tone of voice will help us prevent family problems, make our home
a nice place to be, and deepen the love we feel for one another. Family
Survey Review Statement
# 3 - We use a kind tone of voice when we speak.
STORY John
had a long, difficult day at work. He was exhausted. While he was driving
home, John passed a park and noticed a young father playing with his two
sons. They were laughing and enjoying themselves. John thought about his
own children. He knew he could be a better father. As
John continued on toward home, he made a decision. John decided that no
matter what happened that evening, he would use a kind tone of voice. Even
though he was tired, John promised himself he'd speak kindly. When
John arrived home his wife asked how his day had been. Instead of his
usual grumbling about problems at work, John cheerfully replied,
"Well, things could've been better, but I'm sure glad to be
home!" All
evening John spoke kindly to his wife and children. Even when an irritated
employee phoned and angrily complained about work, John responded calmly
and kindly. An amazing thing happened. John set the tone of kindness in
the home, and his family followed his example. Just before bedtime,
Matthew, one of the children, said, "Gosh, something is different
around here. Everybody's so-so happy!" John
then told his family about the decision he had made on the way home from
work after he saw the young father playing in the park with his sons. John
confessed that he had no idea what a difference using a kind tone of voice
could make in their home. Matthew spoke up and asked, "Hey, Dad, does
that mean we can go play ball in the park tomorrow?" They all
laughed, and John agreed to take him. Discussion 1.
What
is the first step we need to take to change our behavior? (Recognize that
improvement is needed.) 2.
What
happened to help John recognize that he needed to be a better father? (He
saw a man playing with his sons and knew he could improve.) 3.
What
was one way John decided he could improve? (Use a kind tone of voice with
his family.) 4.
Is
it sometimes easier to speak more pleasantly to our friends than to our
family? Why? Activity There
are five sentences we're going to read out loud together. First we'll say
them unkindly, then we'll say the same sentence using a kind tone of
voice. (Hold up the page so everyone can read it together) 1.
COME TO BREAKFAST. 2.
WE'RE GOING TO BE LATE. 3.
SHUT THE DOOR. 4.
CAN YOU LISTEN TO ME? 5.
I WANT YOU TO UNDERSTAND. Assignment During
the coming week if you use a harsh tone of voice, immediately repeat what
you said, using a better tone of voice. You'll be amazed at how soon you
can change, until using a kind tone of voice becomes a habit. For
example, parents with young children: If your child yells, "Mama, tie
my shoe!" You say, "Tone of voice." Then you use a kind
tone of voice and say, "Mama, please tie my shoe." Have the
child repeat your example exactly. When he has spoken correctly, you
exclaim, "Yes! That's the right way we talk!" and give him a
hug. For parents with older children: Speak kindly-be an example to them. When parents speak calmly, they can often diffuse anger. Further, parents shouldn't allow disrespectful, unkind talk in their homes. It is their responsibility to be good examples in teaching their children to be kind. |