Many times in life we feel like someone is pushing our buttons. Living a fast-paced lifestyle doesn’t offer much free time for inconveniences, or the patience required to deal with those who treat us unfairly. Generally speaking, people push different types of buttons daily; whether it is on a remote control, a microwave, a game, or a device such as a radio. The intention of pushing the buttons is to see something start or change. Yet—figuratively speaking—when a person’s button is pushed, it is important for that person to know what words to speak, what actions to take, and how to effectively control unhealthy behavior.

As parents, it is tough at times to explain to children why they may not receive certain honors or awards when they work hard to overcome difficult obstacles. Children may not consciously understand how to handle people who ‘push their buttons’ or treat them unfairly. Therefore, parents should encourage children to do their best in all situations, but be prepared if someone doesn’t favor them, or some event doesn’t result in their best interest.

It is unfair when politics or an injustice is allowed to prevent a worthy person from receiving recognition, status, or an award if the person is deserving. There are definitely times when life doesn’t seem fair. Yet, a wise person figures out how to make life better without pushing the buttons of others.

Children are full of questions and parents must be equipped with adequate answers to keep children from feeling like the world is against them; thinking the world owes them something; feeling like they will never succeed; and believing people will always treat them fairly.

As children become older and experience the good and evil in life situations, they also establish a weak or solid foundation of values. The importance of family values should not be wavered. They should be cultivated in the hearts of moms and dads and exemplified in everyday conversations and actions. Vibrant family values are typically based on personal virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

No one is known to be born virtuous, but individuals must learn how to attain it and continue daily to strive toward moral goodness.

Therefore, when people are pushing your buttons, do the right thing and demonstrate behavior that exemplifies virtue and good character. 

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.

Her column twice monthly appears in the Daphne Bulletin and Spanish Fort Sun.