Who is the barometer of our home.....today?

Sometimes I know within the first 3 minutes of a morning what type of a day it will be.  The body language, the tone of voice, the words spoken to a sibling, to my husband, to me all help me assess in moments how the day will go.

Children act as barometers.

A barometer is a scientific instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. It can measure the pressure exerted by the atmosphere by using water, air, or mercury. Pressure tendency can forecast short term changes in the weather.  (Wikipedia)

As a barometer children can measure the pressure which a family is experiencing.  That pressure can come from mulitple sources in a family.  The unique point of a child acting as a barometer is that often it is the family's response to that very child's temperment or needs which is placing the most pressure on the family which in turn forecasts the tone of the home.

I heard it said recently that you are only as happy as your saddest child.  Well, if that is true most days I may not be very happy.

Children--especially sensitive, spirited, high need children-- are the barometers of our families.  They tend to be highly perseptive and sensitive to their physical and emotional surroundings, and this sensitivity often manifests through their behaviors and attitudes.  We may be quick to repremand, roll our eyes and match our child's mood; or, when we take a moment to think, we may realize that their initial approach to the day may be directly linked to something happening in our family, our home or at school.