A Lesson for Parents on Gossip

Gossip is hard to avoid in life. Even at a young age, you can get caught up in it. As a mom, I worry about my children learning malicious and cruel behaviors when it comes to the words they say about others.

Admittedly, I have been caught up in gossip. It’s a conscience decision to avoid participating in gossip. It’s not easy. But, I realized recently that it truly effects my children, even more than I thought was possible.

My oldest daughter broke my heart while I was putting her to bed the other night. She asked, “Mommy, can I pray for you?” When I responded, “Of course you can!” She said, “I pray that whoever is hurting my mommy stops talking.”

Her prayers made me see that I need to step back from gossip and useless drama. They were such profound words from a small child. But, it speaks to a truth. Sometimes in life, we all should “stop talking”. When we speak negative or spiteful words, it does nothing but hurt people.

Sometimes gossip is started by anger or even boredom. It can become addicting. As parents, we must understand that our words, even if we do not think they are listening, register on some level with our kids.

If someone is upsetting you and you are having issues with them, it is best to take a step back and just pray. That is all we can really do in some situations. When you find yourself feeding into gossip by talking about someone, it is important to stop yourself and look at the situation from their perspective.

I have a friend who has a great approach to gossip and it has always impressed me. She will come out and tell you that it is not her business and does not want to hear anything about anyone. She has always been like that. It amazes me how less dramatic her life is than others who seem to just thrive on the “news”.

Your children can learn to either love people where they are at and keep their opinions to themselves or they can learn to create more problems in their life than necessary. Gossip can be very abusive. If your children are constantly watching you berate people around you and talk behind others backs, it can make them feel that there is no trust amongst friends and even family.

When you speak negatively about someone, it can leave you feeling empty. I have noticed this. You do not ever want your words to come back to bite you; but, more often than not they will. Gossip runs in circles and it eventually will be passed to the person everyone is talking about.

Gossip is addressed in the Bible. One quotation comes from the Old Testament book of Leviticus.

Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor; I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:16 (KJV)

God does not like idle gossip or slander. Our tongues are powerful weapons. Nothing can scar like a hurtful word. Those scars are not something I want my children to have, so I am trying my hardest to keep the peace.

Sure, situations will come arise. But, we need to be strong and show our children that it is better to keep silent. Even more importantly, we should all avoid speculating about what others are going through.

If you have found yourself caught up in rumors or your words have affected your life in a negative way, pray for a peace that gives you the ability to hold your tongue. If you have been affected by gossip, pray for understanding and love toward those who have wronged you. If your friends cannot control their words, avoid those conversations.

Teach your children the importance of staying away from drama and angry words. There is so much more to talk about in life than other people.