Oh, I try so hard to be that sweet patient mother that all of you are. The ones that quietly rationalises the offenses with their children, gets them to sweetly tow the line and then still be all together together. Can't be done sorry! I lose my temper. I get impatient. I grit my teeth and smile when actually I really want to frown. In fact I sometimes want to run around screaming like they do when they can't get their own way. I am clearly an alien living on the wrong planet. I am surrounded by Perfect Parents (absolutely no sarcasm in that comment - they really do look like that). The worst being that this week we are doing our webinar on discipline - and of course the same week I am hosting this discussion, I find a bunch of hooligans in my company. They behaved so well last week and even yesterday - no angels mind you- but they were 'fairly compliant' - but not today!
So I am starting to realise that maybe this webinar could just be for me. I need real handles all the time. What worked a year ago doesn't work now. They get older and due to such impressive schooling habits with an incredible teacher (that would be me:) - they are getting smarter and know how to talk their way out of so many situations. They've learnt how to lie well! Ooooooh yours are Christian are they? Funny mine are too and yet they know how to tell lies with a straight face.
So looking forward to this week's webinar. I think we need fresh perspective all the time on how to train up our children, how to make a difference in their lives so that they make a difference in others. Our children are always changing and though our values stay the same, how we mentor them has to change as they change.
So join us for this week's discussion, come ask some questions and share some wisdom. No one who participates in these webinars is pretending to be an expert but just willing to share some of the lessons we have learnt along the way.
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you are in good company! I struggle desperately too. It really gets me down sometimes, especially since being at home with them all the time, they don't get a break from ME! Poor kids! Although they drive me to distraction too. It's been a huge prayer request for me and this last week has been amazingly better. Like the Lord has given me an extra dose of self control. Kinder more patient me. Hmm, until bedtime tonight that is. Sigh! I tell myself all the time that having and then disciplining kids is for my own sanctification for than theirs! I wish I could join you at your seminar, but it's my son's 5th birthday dinner that night!
ReplyDeleteI agree, prayer really does work, when you remember! I often find that I am half way through a crazy week before I remember to pray for that specifically. Pray for everything else and yet forget to pray for the ministry I am involved in daily. Enjoy your birthday celebrations and not to worry the webinar will be going on for the next couple of weeks since its such a challenge for most of us. Maybe we will find you at one of the others:)
ReplyDeleteI had a good giggle there. No perfect parent in this house. I'm sure my neighbours think I'm the mother from hell sometimes. I follow a sergeant major approach. The only way to get my hard of hearing kids to notice mom is needing obedience... I must admit though that after months of prayers, I lately no longer do it in anger. I get onto the problem, before I loose it.
ReplyDeleteOh I am sure that the neighbours and the flies on our walls would tell tall tales! But I also know that we often remember one incident that lasts about a couple of minutes and we forget hours of really good times.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, after all the patient discipline and love we show them, they NEED the rod of discipline to remind them of how they are to behave... How we apply that rod is up to us, and sometimes, as you say, OUR lesson comes in that moment.. when we too have overstepped the boundaries and need to repent of our behaviour. If we do repent, this sets a good example to them... I truly believe our lesson is the tougher one... And the fact that you feel so deeply about it, is half the battle won!! Discussing it with them is also good so they can see your heart in the matter.. that it is not just about discipline, but about attitude too!!
ReplyDeleteAaah, there you are - the witness to "The Pincher" - such wisdom! You were so calm and collected through all the boys running around. Cap off to a mom who clearly has it sorted!
ReplyDeleteHa ha!! I wish I had it sorted... I think I was enjoying the boyish exuberance a bit too much!! Actually, I am reading a book called "Good and Angry" by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller. It is about getting out of the "boxing ring" with your kids and becoming their coach, instead of always picking a fight with them.... It has helped me so much... the mom who has thrown chairs across a room in anger - so I am right there with all of you!! Get the book if you can - I am making notes from it 'cos it is SO good for me!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely sounds like a goodie, come and visit and preach to me!
ReplyDeleteNo preaching needed... we are already helping each other... I am humbled by your honesty!!
ReplyDeleteLOL, it always...happens when we least expect it...not sure why...i think we all have some...funny and real story to share..need to go..child running around with chair...
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