Gentleness
Collect items from nature that are like “warm fuzzies” or “cold pricklies,” then discuss behaviours that match both groups. Discussion point: Let’s fill our home with behaviours that are like warm fuzzies.
Going outside for a walk is even more fun when you’re searching for “warm fuzzies” and “cold pricklies”! Warm fuzzies are items that might be lifted by a very gentle breeze, such as dandelion fluff, small seeds and feathers. Have your children collect some examples and put them in a zippered plastic bag marked “warm fuzzies.” In another bag, marked “cold pricklies,” gather collected items that only a strong wind could move, such as sticks and small rocks.
After the objects have been collected, have your children sit down on a blanket, or take your items indoors. Let your children take turns picking out an object and deciding what kind of words or actions would go along with each object – gentle and kind, or cruel and harsh. For example, a child might take out some dandelion fluff and say, “This dandelion fluff reminds me of a hug.” Someone else might take out a rock and say, this reminds me of someone saying, “I really wish you weren’t my brother.”
After everyone has had a chance to share their ideas, the objects can be put into a bowl to serve as a “warm fuzzies and cold pricklies centrepiece” for the kitchen table.
Summarize the lesson by explaining that when we are gentle in our words and actions, we are less likely to hurt others and much more pleasant for others to be around.
Read the verses below and pray together, asking God to fill your home with warm fuzzies instead of cold pricklies. Later, if you notice your son or daughter using harsh words or actions, ask him/her if he/she is throwing rocks or pussy willows, or similar items collected on your scavenger hunt.
Relevant Scripture
Psalm 19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Proverbs 3:31-32 “Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the Lord detests a perverse man, but takes the upright into His confidence.”
Note: The original story that introduced the now popular terms “warm fuzzies” and “cold pricklies” was written by Claude Steiner. Before reading this story to your children, however, be aware that it does involve a wicked witch.
- Acceptance
- Adaptability
- Attentiveness
- Christmas
- Compassion
- Confidence
- Consideration
- Contentedness
- Cooperation
- Courage
- Courtesy
- Discernment
- Easter
- Faithfulness
- Forgiveness
- Generosity
- Gentleness
- Gratitude
- Harmony
- Honesty
- Humility
- Joy
- Kindness
- Obedience
- Patience
- Perseverance
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Reverence
- Righteousness
- Self-control
- Thanksgiving
