Mar. 8, 2006 - Ashamed
Well I have shared in here before some of my struggles with my oldest Austen (10) I want to be honest because just maybe there is someone else out there that struggles in this area. I feel led to share here.
From the age of a year old he has been a 'difficult' child. As parents we lost all control of him (to our own stupidity). I tried every discipline there was, took about 15 different parenting classes. I can honestly say that their approach to discipline techniques were not helpful. I have a strong willed boy. I often would take his behavior personally and from a young age he knew how to really hurt me with his words.
Austen was about 3 when I started going to church. However i really didn't learn of how to do things Biblically until he was 4. So by this time he was let's just say running our house. I never believed in spanking my child and thought it to be very wrong! But I also never knew it could be done in a calm and orderlly fashion.
Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom,but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Austen now is so big he is almost as tall as I am (5'3). He is getting to big to 'spank' but this past year we have been struggling with him on his "sassy mouth" it is called RESPECT really. I have to say that I am guilty for letting it get out of hand and now I am dearly trying to real him back in and train him. But it is a daily battle.
I am constantly asking myself......do I discipline him for this ?? or that??And often dought myself or feel guilty??
He is the sweetest and most thoughtful boy I have ever met. He is always 'doing' for others. I never had any problems with him when he was in public school he always did well. My pastor has had him over several times to stay with their children and they think he is one of the best behaved children there is! Sooo the problem lies at home.
Comments
Mar. 8, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by hskubes
I would also suggest being very faithful in your own personal quiet time with the Lord, in the morning. And take periodic breaks throughout the day when you are beginning to feel particularly disappointed or frustrated.. to pray and read portions of His Word.
I would also recommend looking into Doorposts If...Then chart, or making something similar and posting it on the wall. If you have offences listed and their consequences, then there will be no question as to whether or not you should discipline him or when. It would save you a lot of frustration and it would set firm boundaries for him.
Also, no amount of discipline and training does much good unless we are devoting precious time to teaching them God's Word and how to apply it.
We have to remember that academics will pass away, but the child's character will last a lifetime and affect him for eternity.
Praying for you.
~ Christina
www.homeschoolblogger.com/hskubes
Mar. 9, 2006 - Thanks Christina
Posted by JesusIsMyRock