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Karen Whiting Updates
The Last Straw Changed Me for Wellness
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 by Karen Whiting
The last straw, the last call about my son's behavior that I thought I could handle caused me to change forever. It really was over a straw my son took from a boy's milk carton and threw on the floor. That boy continually bothered my son and that day during lunch he left his table and crossed the room to where my son sat quietly dinking his milk and teased him again, loudly. But again my son got in trouble not the bullying boy.
I chose to ask questions instead of arguing or focusing on my son’s reaction. Why was the boy out of his seat? Did my son tease back? Did my son touch the boy? Did she notice my son was simply drinking his milk? That caused her to pause and stop attacking me. The next day I brought in stamps, ink, and a pad. I asked her to please stamp a smile when my son did something positive. Within a week she hung a clothesline across the room and used clothespins to hang index cards, one for each child. She started noting the good actions and words and the call and she became happier.
Jesus asked questions when being attacked of bullied. I learned to ask questions. Later I would offer positive suggestions. It can renew our spirit.
And to myself, when I grumble or feel tired I ask what Jesus asked in 2 Corinthians 4:16, "Do you want to get well?" or I might ask do you want to focus on the negative? Be critical? Or do you want to make a happier choice? Do you want to discourage or encourage?
Questions help us refocus and renew our minds.
Listen to Karen discuss this event and more on cultivating an attitude of joy even when people tqalk negatively, on the Counter Culture Mom Show.
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16
Rejoice as a mom!
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