Gentleness in the family

Gentleness is missing in our family because we have no patience. My siblings and I get angry quickly and start fighting. When our parents find out that we had fighting then they loose their patience and get angry with us. We loose TV, computer, books and going outside privileges which makes us even more angry and we fight further. Gentleness means forgiving little mistakes. It means to talk things over and cooperating - Hafsah T, Grade 5

My parents don't like it when I ignore them, role my eyes or talk back to them. I think it is fair that they should be upset, after all they are my parents and they do deserve my respect. My mom is actually very gentle, she doesn't force me to do anything or yell at me. She only asks me one or two times then becomes quiet. I realize from her silence that she is not happy. I think a gentle family will not have attitude and will not behave rudely. Maybe gentleness  in a family means loving everyone and showing them that we love by by acting kindly towards them and helping them - Iman Grade 5

I guess our parents are tough on us for our own good. They want us to learn the real value of things and work hard for them, to learn and become successful. Certain rules I guess are important for disciplinary sake. Strict rules keep us focused and determined to achieve our goals - Usamah, Grade 5

There are conflicts in my family because  we do not appreciate each other enough. We take advantage of the fact that we live together so it is okay if I cause problems. Sometimes we behave selfishly and mistreat others. If we all realize that every member of the family is special and good then we will get along fine - Fatima, Grade 5

Asking a question like "Why do our parents yell?" Is almost the same as asking, "Why do our parents care?" What we (kids) do not realize is that both our parents affection and strictness is for our own good. If they nag us and force us to do something then it is because they want us to stand up on our own feet when they are not around anymore. They actually help us grow mature and responsible so we can transition easily into adulthood and learn the facts of grown-up life. Usually conflict arises when there is no communication. In order to be gentle we need to at least talk to each other. Alhamdulillah my sisters and I share everything with our mother and so we get along fine. But when we do not express ourselves then we get angry and fight - Maha, Grade 5

It makes perfect sense that our parents tell us what to do. There is no one in this world who cared enough to give birth to us, change our diapers, taught us how to walk and hold a spoon except our parents. We learned our first words from them, they gave us medicine when we got sick and bought us toys even when we had too many. I am glad my parents still boss me around because I know it is for my own benefit. Sometimes I get frustrated but it is good remember that these are my parents. They are only taking care of me and making sure I keep to the straight path. So its cool - Sumaiya, Grade 5