Sep. 29, 2008 - Teaching Children Self-Control
In a world that focuses on immediate self-gratification how do you teach your children self-control? In a world that is bursting with selfishness - how do you teach your children to discipline themselves to do what is right instead of what is easy and pleasurable? In a world where the majority of people are out of control - how do you teach your children be self-controlled?
This is something that we must constantly work on in our home! I'm not a naturally disciplined person and have had to really work on myself so that I can set a good example for my children - an imperfect example at best. Self-discipline is so crucial to our happiness and success. I desire for my children to be able to control their tongues, their bodies, their passions and their minds. It is no easy task; and yet nothing worthwhile is ever easy, is it? We have reinstituted a practice that we did on a daily basis a couple of years ago. It began out of the desire to teach my children how to be reverant and be still. We practiced at home hoping it would help them 'be still' when we were at church. We called it 'self-control practice.' The children each had a cushion on the couch to sit on. They guidelines were that during the set time we were 'practicing' they were to use their minds to control their bodies and tongues. There was to be no talking, no getting up and leaving, no bothering/touching the person next to them. The goal was to sit and be still. If by chance the person next to them was bothering them - they were to control himself/herself and not react. We started out practicing for only 5 minutes each day and added 5 minutes every week. The little ones struggled - but made improvements each week. It's been a long while since doing this but this week it became apparent that we needed to get back to our practicing. Last Friday was our first practice. We set the timer for 10 minutes. It was hard for them - the boys really struggled with keeping their bodies still. My 12 y/o daughter had no difficulty - now if we can just carry that over into real life when her brothers aggravate her - I'll be thrilled!:)
What a challenge it can be even as an adult! I don't think I'll ever reach a point of being able to check disciplined off of my list of things to work on! I'll admit, though, that I love the few minutes during our practices that it is so peaceful and quiet!!
Comments
Sep. 30, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by loobylou1971
Sounds like a good idea!
Hope you are having a good week.
Lou
Oct. 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by OldSchoolMarm
Hi Becky, Wow, I like the being still exercise! We may try this as the oldest tends to speak her mind too much and the middle, well she whines quite a bit and the youngest needs to work on voicing his frustrations instead of striking out physically. Thanks for this!
Blessings, Julie
Oct. 2, 2008 - What a good idea!!
Posted by 4in4years
Thanks for stopping by my blog. We are having an ongoing struggle at our house with noise. Somehow all four of my kids missed the "inside voice" memo!:-)
I will definitely be implimenting the hold still and be quiet exercise.
Have a wonderful Thursday!!!
Oct. 3, 2008 - Still here
Posted by Joycemarie
Hi Becky,
I am still here...been a stressful couple of weeks...but all is well, school is going so good. Brittany's narrations are so good this year...I am very pleased. She just finished Tom Sawyer, she narrated the whole book and did a beautiful job. (after every reading that is)
I made a new blog...over at blogger. It is easier for blogger friends to contact me this way. I'll keep this one up but I'll probably just keep posting at my new site. Please keep in touch with me though...you are one of my favorite friends and I have every intention of keeping up with you.
My url http://noffysgirl.blogspot.com/
You'll notice, I have already added you to my links.
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for checking on me...
Joyce
Oct. 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Dot
I bet that was challenging.
Dot
Oct. 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by ApplesofGold
Wow-this was really good to read. I may try the cushion exercise. Thanks for sharing. Holly
Oct. 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kimalita
Great challenge!! We all need that here at times. Some days more than others.
The elections unit I am using is Amanda Bennetts -- its a CD.
Oct. 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by OldSchoolMarm
Hi Becky! I hope you don't mind but I used your name and blog name in my latest entry. I was referring to canning produce and used your name as a hopeful resource of info in the future :-). Hope it was okay.
Blessings, Julie
Oct. 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Hi Becky, I put up that comment about using your name in my latest entry and then the next day I deleted the blog, so I don't even know if you ever saw the entry. I may try blogging again this winter, it's just easier to stay away from the computer if I'm not blogging at all right now. Thanks for being such a sweet friend here.
Blessings, Julie
Oct. 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kimalita
HELLO!!! Hope you are well................
Oct. 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kimalita
i tagged you, if you wanna play.
Oct. 28, 2008 - Come What May!
Posted by SchoolinRhome
I thought you might like this awesome new movie! It is called Come What May! It supports the fight for life, inspires the Godly marriage and encourages purity. You can even veiw it free today and tomorrow yet! It is so worth the time. I am trying to get the word out before everyone goes to vote, too!
It was made by over 40 homeschoolers! Way to go homeschoolers! A+
Check out my post here:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/SchoolinRhome/611224/
Please leave me a comment if you were inspired and plan to pass it on to others. I'd love to hear that!
In Christ's love,
SchoolinRHome
Nov. 14, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kimalita
Congarts on your new schoolroom! That is marvelous. I know you are so ready to get in there and make it home! Very cool. Do take some pictures, if you would.
I'm glad you popped in, I've been wondering how you and your family were doing.
We got our first snow, not too much, but something, over night. It took its time this year. It was 63 yesterday and now snow. Crazy.
Well have a great weekend!!!
