There are the kids who are always joking around. That constant class clown is usually hiding behind a mask so that no one can see the hurt inside. I've heard it said that many a kid can get over having a rotten father, but few survive a bad mom. I don't agree with that. Every word spoken touches a life, for good or for bad, every word counts.
Verbal abuse is sometimes worse than physical abuse.
Words have the ability to cut to the soul of a child. I can find a problem if I think I need to find one. Lord, teach what is important and what isn't with raising these children that You have entrusted me with. Father, I need wisdom from You to know which battles are the ones that are to be fought, and which are to be conceded. Lord, I ask that as we learn Your concepts that we would be able to teach them lovingly to our children.