Perspective: How to treat and forgive a little "brat"

This came through in my wonder of how to treat my little "bratty" nephew. :) Opportunity knocks!

Teach by example and that is all

The cultivation of patience, tolerance, trust, honesty, gentleness and even joy are all personal matters. One can not learn on matters of the heart, without experience or wonder. Therefore, when teaching children, it is unnecessary to freight. Naturally, the child becomes curious when looked upon with wonder rather than intolerance and impatience. It is intolerant to believe one should listen without explanation nor should they have to listen by control, obedience or law alone. For what is taught is mostly taught by example and so the greatest force you can contribute to this world is in the practice of attaining Truth within yourself, not outside.

One may teach Truth, but often we all are to degrees. Not without fear is it intermixed, that the Truth gets watered down, confusing, befumbling to those whom receive. The best thing to do is to be an example. In being an example, one is more likely to discern within their mind and without words, accept with gentle eyes. With the compassion and love that replaces all fear, does the "teacher" transmit to her child and even to those whom aren't, the love of Creation.

One may wonder when enough is enough. The child says "No" and demands respect and yet, does not know how to give it. However often, they are treated as little, when in fact, the Truth is in them,as it is in all. Many or most, do not see themselves in the child nor would they proclaim to be as little as the child. However, in reality, the child is them, some parts of which suppressed and denied; they grow angry and bitter without peace of mind.

Everything is a manifestation of something more deeply rooted than the superficial. The "problem" is often not the issue but the symptom of something greater and in need of healing. Thus, while the gentle eyes of compassion and warmth are the rarest gifts of humankind, the child may bring up the wound within the healer/parent/teacher and therefore, be the the medicine to a much greater awareness of themselves. The challenge, of course, is in accepting the gift, the moment of challenge and confrontation, as an opportunity to work on Self rather than on another. What often happens, however, is that intolerance and impatience are fed, the wound doesn't heal, and punishment or guilt is transmitted instead.

The cultivation of Spirit is not in preaching, but by sharing experiences and being an example. If intolerance, impatience and neglect are felt, if meanness is transmitted from child to parent or teacher or healer, the question to ask is how one might do this within themselves.

How might I improve the quality of intolerance and impatience within myself?
What do I need when I am being intolerant, impatient and mean?
What would I like from others when I am feeling intolerant, impatient and mean?