Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.



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3ringcircus
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Posted: Feb 25 2012 at 10:57am | IP Logged Quote 3ringcircus

I approached the subject of the devil w/ my 6yo about 2mo. ago. I can't remember why, but at the time, it seemed appropriate because of the situation. I used the same strategy as my friend, saying that the devil is wanting us to be not God. Anything he can do to take us away from listening to and following God is the devil's strategy. I/we talked about how listening to the devil makes you feel great for a while, but later you feel awful because you hurt someone or yourself, or lose something. I think I must have mentioned the lack of peace, because we talk a lot about peace around here.

Now, when he's in a random mood of irritation, he mentions that he wants to be the devil, or listen to the devil, or be on the devil's side. Sometimes, he's in a philosophic mood, and says the same. I know he's just testing the waters, so I don't get excited about it. Still, it is a bit unnerving. I try to empathize w/ him, and remind that in the moment, it does feel easier or more fun to do what the devil suggests, but that later, you pay the price.

Thoughts? How did/do you do this in your house?

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kristinannie
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Posted: Feb 25 2012 at 11:23am | IP Logged Quote kristinannie

I also brought up the devil in a similar type of situation. Now when any of my kids do something wrong, the other kids point at the floor (Hell) and say, "Guess who is happy now?"      So my kids took the opposite tactic...

I do believe that he is trying to get a reaction or just kind of testing the waters, but I can see how that would be unnerving!!!      Maybe you could talk more about Heaven. My kids really enjoyed reading Heaven is For Real after my son's friend passed away. We also memorize lots of Scripture verse of Jesus' own words about how we are to live life.

I would advise to just ignore it for now and to focus on talking about God and Heaven. I'm sure others on here have been through this and can offer better advice!

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gamcynth
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Posted: Feb 25 2012 at 5:26pm | IP Logged Quote gamcynth

You might try reading some stories to your children from one of the Angel Food from Girls and Boys books- all of the volumes have stories that address the devil. I was astonished at the direct way the priest used the devil in his stories and how disarming the stories were. I was afraid to address this person and these books did a great job of showing the power of the sacraments and how God protects us from the devil and his temptation to sin :)
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JennGM
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Posted: Feb 25 2012 at 5:33pm | IP Logged Quote JennGM

I try to not focus too much on the devil, although we don't deny his existence. More emphasis is like what is mentioned above -- heaven, guardian angels... I agree, I love Father Brennan's stories!

I would keep on ignoring, like you mentioned. If the devil is brought up in discussion, I draw out points like he chose not to love God, so he will never see or feel His love and go from there. I try to steer more positive frames.

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