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Busy hands are happy hands!

Ever heard that?! I actually hadn't, but it's so true. As a mother it is much easier for me to let my children play freely around the house while I get things done. It would be easier to pop in a video. It would be easier to just let them do their own things while I do mine. But is that what is best for my children, or yours? I have found that this way might be easier, but it is definitely not happier.

In the January 11, 1912, issue of the Review and Herald, it is put like this: "Mothers, keep your children occupied. If you fail to do this, somebody’s going to do it for you.” And we all know that Satan wants are children's hearts and minds so much.

It is important that I as mother, protector of their hearts, trainer, and teacher keep them busy doing things that help them learn the importance of neatness, self-government, helping happily, obedience, respect, etc. It is important that my children are taught to work along beside me, to do the everyday tasks that help to run a home smoothly. Especially small children do not need lots of time to themselves to play idly. All of us have a bent to wrong doing. We must keep our children occupied so that Satan has no access to their hearts.

We've always had somewhat of a schedule, but we are finding greater happiness and peace in a less flexible schedule these days. When my children are occupied and know what to expect, we find that things run more smoothly and things are more peaceful and happy. I challenge you to do the same.

"Parents cannot commit a greater sin than to neglect their God-given responsibilities in leaving their children with nothing to do; for these children will soon learn to love idleness and grow up to be shiftless, useless men and women....Allow them to help you in every way they can, and show them that you appreciate their help. Let them feel that they are a part of the family firm...Let us teach the little ones to help us while their hands are small and their strength is slight." (Child Guidance, Chap 21)