As a parent I want to create opportunities to have meaningful and fruitful conversations with my children. I often use role-playing as a means to accomplish that goal. Role-playing is when you present a situation to your children and ask them what they would do and say as they take on different roles in the story. For example, your child may not know what to do when a peer pressures him to lie or cheat.  Role-playing gives children an avenue in which to practice possible responses to difficult situations. It allows children to think with you about situations they haven’t encountered.

Some passages of Scripture could be read before every counseling time, no matter what the circumstances.[1]  This is one of them. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,      and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,      for I am gentle and humble in heart,      and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matt 11:28-30)