The power of a preposition and parental guidance

By Sarah McDonald
NOLA Catholic Parenting

Have you ever stopped to think about the significance of changing just one word in a phrase? For example, have you ever stopped to think about the difference it makes to use “to” versus “for” in a sentence?

A few years ago, one of my sons was struggling with reading. We decided that he needed some extra help and got him an incredible tutor to whom I feel completely and totally indebted for her incredible work with my boy.

As we got started, my son was NOT happy with having to go to his tutor for an hour a week.

He looked me straight in the face and said, “Why are you doing this to me?”

My answer, “Your dad and I aren’t doing this to you, we are doing it for you.”

I did not realize it at the time, but the power of that preposition made a lasting impact. That simple change of one word changed my son’s attitude and enlightened my parenting.

It was a Holy Spirit-inspired moment.

So, what does any of this have to do with Catholic parenting?

I have found myself being more cognizant of how we speak to our children, particularly when they are facing challenging situations. Even my boy has remembered that simple change of preposition and quoted it to his siblings and back to me.

In my own challenges, when I have asked God why things are happening to me, I am called back to that simple, inspired moment and try to consider what God is doing for me.

In each trial of life, we must look at what God is trying to do for us through it.

I admit the answers are not always clear or immediate, but if we approach what we do not like in life with an attitude of seeking how to grow in faith and holiness and more fully into who God is calling us to be, it can change our attitude and allow us to be more open to the Spirit.

It can also open our hearts to the love God has for us just as I think it allowed my son to see that his dad and I were acting out of true love and concern for him.

As a parents, we will guide our children through countless challenges and trials from childhood into adulthood.

If we as Catholic parents can instill in our children that God’s plan and God’s will be at work in their lives at all times, it will help to see the light and peace at the end of the dark and turbulent roads.

Sarah McDonald is a wife and mother living with her family of eight in Metairie. Professionally, she works as director of communications for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. She and her family are avid sports fans who love to cook and spend time with family and friends.