I’m always looking for ways to help them understand math so that I can inspire them to see it in a different way. A more exciting way. I shared a perspective on probability with her that I would love to share with you today.

The math definition for probability is this: the extent to which an event is likely to occur, measured by the ratio of the favorable cases to the whole number of cases possible. In all probability is used to convey that something is very likely.

Need some help? Here is the definition of the word probability without involving math: the extent to which something is probable; the likelihood of something happening or being the case.

The simplest definition is this: how likely something is to happen.

My daughter went on and on why she hates probability, and she doesn’t understand why we need to learn it. I took the opportunity to make the connection for her.

Learning probability can help us to see all of the options when we are making a decision. It helps us to slow down and also see the consequences of each choice. Some will have amazing results and positive consequences, and some will have negative and severe consequences. Learning to see this can help us become less impulsive and really learn to use and improve our critical thinking skills.

I have some really impulsive kiddos. Usually, they make most of their life choices impulsively. This can be hard when their consequences are not the best outcome. They tend to beat themselves up when they have not so fun consequences. This has not yet helped them make better choices next time.

I am trying to teach them as patiently as I possibly can. It really helps me to take that step back and not take their anger directed at me personally. This took a lot of practice, prayer, grace, and patience. Patience for them and patience for me. Grace for them and grace for me.

I’m so grateful to be in a different space with this. Getting angry or hurt by their words was not helpful. By being able to stay calm, let them know my boundaries and not budging on them made a huge difference in their respect for me as their mother. When things are all said and done, we can go back to our day and move forward in love and respect.

The probability of me responding to them in anger and frustration is likely to lead to a long hard day of big emotions. There will most likely be hard feelings on both sides. It usually takes a while to heal those hurts.

In all probability, keeping my calm while they are wailing and gnashing of teeth for their imposed consequence will lead to the best outcome for everyone involved.

I would like to end this post with this thought:

The probability of you praying, reading your scriptures, listening to good music, listening to podcasts that teach of Jesus Christ will bring peace into your life. It will not keep trials from happening, but it will increase your faith and give you peace and comfort as you go through them.

In all probability, as we turn away from the things of the world, and turn to our Heavenly Parents, we will be given more knowledge and increase in our understanding of the plan. Our days will be the same, but our minds will be focused on something more exciting and interesting.