Inside: Good Gossip Rules to read with coffee, teach your kids, and hang on your fridge.

Did you hear the one about Kelly?

Something in our heart either leaps or panics when we hear someone whisper those words. Gossip is delightfully delicious, contagious and bad. Right? I love what John Courson has to say on the subject of gossip.

A gossip, or talebearer, hurts three people: the person he talks about, the person he talks to, and himself.

First, in a very real sense, people are who we say they are, regardless of whether what we say is true. People will either be lifted up or put down in the estimation of others by what we say about them. Jesus draws a direct parallel between murder and the tongue because we have the power to kill another person’s reputation with our words (Matthew 5:21-22) Second, telling tales, or gossiping, hurts the person who listens because it affects the way he or she will view the person being talked about. Finally, gossip hurts the talebearer himself because every time we gossip, we become smaller and smaller. As has been wisely said, great minds talk about ideas or ideals; good minds about events; small minds about people. In which company are you?

But there is another type of gossip.

The good kind.

What is Good Gossip?

Good gossip is when you talk about people behind their back but only say pleasant, helpful, or encouraging things. This is an excellent life skill to teach your kids. Examples of how to gossip good (I know, but gossip well doesn’t sound as fun) {Get your FREE “Good Gossip Rules” {printable} }

When you receive a compliment, pass it on.

You didn’t get there, learn that, or achieve that all on your own. Someone helped you. Toot their horn! “You did such an excellent job on that project, Micah”. “Thanks! My dad helped me a lot. Dad is really skilled at woodworking and taught me how to use the tools I needed.” “You did an amazing job on the field today sweetie.” “Thanks! Coach really helped me grow into a confident player!’

Humility is a character quality that needs modeling, time, and practice.

From the pages of my life this week…

We completely redesigned our website. I am thrilled with how it turned out, but I simply cannot take any of the credit. My husband encouraged me that it was time to make the plunge and supported me during the process.

His love and encouragement gave me the courage to make the changes that needed to be done.

Our children were champions at keeping themselves occupied while I worked way too many hours.

  I don’t think they minded the extra free time at all come to think of it. My friend Kelly, who also happens to be a mom, blogger and world-class blogging coach, merged right into the chaos with me and gave me clear, professional and, most importantly, do-able advice to aid me in the process. Her encouragement pulled me off the ledge at least twice.

My heart panicked at the thought of migrating my blog from one place to another. I know that’s boring blogger talk, but suffice to say Joy was amazing through the whole process. Funny how talking to someone who’s “been there done that” makes all the difference in the world!

Jay joined our team and took over our website hosting. You may think that there is nothing interesting to gossip about here, but Jay is a down to earth guy who translates ‘techie talk’ into ‘mom talk’ with ease while simultaneously cracking just the right number of jokes to “de-stress-ify” tense situations. Trust me. It’s a real word. My blogger friends Kayte, Natasha, and Sara have no idea how much their encouragement meant to me.

Lately, I have felt like I am swimming through Jell-O. Life is too full, too hard, and too overwhelming.                                                                                             Each of these ladies (and Jay) have spoken either right to my issue, right to my problem, or right to my heart.

Spread good rumors.

Take every opportunity to talk about people behind their back, but focus on the positive. “She is very creative.” “He is extremely talented.” “They are the nicest family on our street.” Your kids really need to see you model spreading good rumors.       {Grab your Good Gossip Rules-Printable at the bottom of this page}

Redirect the negative.

Do not tolerate negative gossip. This one can be challenging because we are wired to love to talk. Mom, you love to talk. Just ask your kids. Do you talk negatively about people? Your kids are right by your side gleaning wisdom and life skills by watching and listening. Make sure that the words of your mouth are encouraging, uplifting, and true. When your kids start talking negatively about someone, take the time to help them find the positive. Remember, gossip is just as delicious to your kids as it can be for you. Teach them that good gossip is better. So are Mrs. Prindables Apples.

When all else fails, listen to Thumper.

If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.

Get your FREE “Good Gossip Rules” {printable}

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Print this free homeschool mom reminder.

This post comes with a free printable reminder list to help keep your heart focused on the heart of homeschooling. I always have the hardest staying focused. This printable simplifies it!Here is a sneak preview…

Download Your Free Printable

1. Download the checklist. You’ll get the printable, plus join 9,000+ homeschool moms who receive my weekly parenting tips and ideas!
2. Print. Any paper will do the trick, but card stock would be ideal.
3. Place it on your refrigerator as a helpful reminder.