Jun. 14, 2005
DEALING WITH THE 'TUDE!!
Posted in Parenting
The last few days have been incredibly trying as I have dealt with my daughter's major attitude issues. I felt like a recorder as I repeatedly told her to watch her mouth, and watch her attitude. The absolute "straw that broke the camel's back" was when we visited the store today and she saw a person that she didn't particularly like, and she said, "OH GREAT . . . THERE IS SARAH!! (name changed to protect individual)!!"
She said it so loud that the Mom overheard, and immediately looked at me . I felt so bad for this family because they were a victim of my daughter's horrible heart attitude! It is at these times I have felt like a total failure as a parent. I give lectures and life-lesson speeches to her all the time and try to build up her character, but sometimes when a child's heart is in the wrong place, and that old sin nature rears it's ugly head, it is not a pretty sight! I have been so stressed trying to remedy Kaitlin's 'tude that I hit a brick wall and just didn't know what to do. 
Well . . . today after she was sent to her room for the 4th time, after being disrespectful and despising discipline, I finally got out the big gun! Well not literally a gun . . but the Bible!! Even though she didn't want to hear it and rolled her eyes repeatedly (oh that gets me mad by the way). I fed her God's word anyway (Proverbs15 to be exact) and each and every scripture that talks about disrespect and not heeding instruction. Here are some of the scriptures used:
Proverbs 15:31-33
The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise.
He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.
The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor (goeth) humility.
Proverbs 15:5
A fool despiseth his father's correction; But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
We then prayed together (usually me telling her to repeat after me, especially when she is hesitant). This works really good because if she doesn't want to say a particular verse in the Bible then it usually means that is an area where her heart is hardened toward the things of God. Usually right after she says the verse (remember God's word is al;so known as the sword of the Spirit -- a powerful spiritual weapon against the flesh nature and enemy of our souls).after she repeated the scriptures and prayed, I started to see her countenance change. It was like whatever evil was oppressing her soul, keeping her bound and lifeless was lifting and releasing it's grip. She genuinely asked me to forgive her and we embraced one another as if it were the first time. It was like she woke up spiritually! She also asked the Lord to forgive her for using her tongue in the wrong way and for being disrespectful. I praise the Lord for this quick reconciliation and her repentant heart.
Oh if only I would go to the Lord first . . all the time . . and learn to cast my cares upon Him instead of taking everything into my own fleshly hands. That donkey in the picture reminds me of myself when I refuse to empty the loads I carry as a Mom onto the Lord's shoulder's. It cracked me up when I saw it, but was a great reminder that even 'tudes have to be unloaded, and God's word is a great place to begin and end.
As for Kaitlin and that little girl she disrespected . . let's just say she'll be writing a letter of apology!!
Comments
Jun. 14, 2005 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 3FoldChord
Way to Go Mom! Being a good parent doesn't mean our kids obey all the time, it means when they disobey we handle it in a Godly way.
I'm glad your daughter's heart was repentive and open to God. (which tells of your great momness)
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Jun. 14, 2005 - Yeah mom
Posted by sparkshomeschoolmom
We have been battling attitude issues today and all week too. Sometimes it is so hard to deal with heart issues. I am really wanting to read the Heart of Anger because sometimes I think my son shows his anger with attitude issues. Just wanted you to know you are not alone and you did a great job!!!
blessings
lori
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Jun. 14, 2005 - What a great post!
Posted by LaMereAcademy
Kelly, first, let me say that I am so happy that YOU are blogging! I really enjoyed this post because it's an issue I deal with as well, with my own children. Why is it so hard to turn to the Lord when we know He is the answer? This is my struggle daily. I'm always thinking at the end of the day how I should have turned to Him in so many things, but I didn't.
I look forward to reading your blogs, keep at it! : )
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Jun. 14, 2005 - The Power of Prayer!
Posted by lovemygirls
I loved hearing how Kaitlins additude changed after reading the Bible and praying together. It's awesome how God can change a, what seems hopeless at the time, situation around. I struggle with the same thing with Grace and Olivia...and they're only 5 and 2!! LOL. You just showed how turning it over to the Lord is the key!
Love ya,
Heidi
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Jun. 14, 2005 - Right on!
Posted by HappyApple
WTG sis!
You always amaze me at the things you do with Kaitlin!
Praise the Lord!
great pic with the donkey! LOL
Huggers,
Di
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Jun. 14, 2005 - Big HUGS to you, Kelly!
Posted by lofamom
Oh Boy! This is a difficult one. We have been dealing with horrible behavior from my dsd this year. She's 8 (almost 9) and has had public school year filled with low grades, bad behavior tickets, & constant attitude. It's a hard thing to watch as a parent...especially when we have 3 other children in the house that are very well-behaved. We have tried every avenue of discipline with her. We've tried doing bible studies with her on the importance of being God's chosen child and honoring your elders. Well, this past week, she received 4 tickets from the teacher (a new record for her in a week). WARNING: Some parents may not agree with this! We took out an old undershirt...wrote on it with a marker...telling how she has a bad habit of getting tickets at school and that she got 4 of them this past week. We wrote on the shirt that she was on restriction, had to write an apology letter to her teacher for her behavior, & that she hoped to behave better in the future. DH made her wear it all day Saturday...we had many errands to run and a T-Ball season ending awards ceremony to go to with many people there. DSD was embarrassed to say the least. She knew that EVERYONE else knew what she had been up to this past week. We prayed with her to ask Jesus for forgiveness and for better behavior this week. So far...the Lord is helping her adjust to a much more christian attitude towards the world. We just pray that it keeps up and she realizes there is not a good result from bad decisions/behavior.
Good Luck with your angel, Kelly!
PS...try reading "Children Are From Heaven" by John Gray...wonderful book and we use this philosophy a lot regarding the children.
Hugs & Blessings
Sandi
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Jun. 14, 2005 - Popular Topic
Posted by Kellyque777
It seems this is a popular area with alot of folks and I appreciate all of your wonderful comments and book recommendations. It is nice to know that I am not the only one dealing with these issues. Just like I have to daily place my sins and flesh nature at the foot of the cross, so do our kiddos, and if we see them starting a 'tude again (cause it sure can creep in unexpected sometimes) we have to be faithful to "nip in the bud" and encourage them to have their own walk with the Lord. I am so thankful for homeschooling because we can see right away when our children are starting to vear off path and falling prey to their sinful nature. It may be a daily thing until there is victory in that area. I am finding great help from Lisa Whelchels book "Creative Correction." In fact I used some of the prayers at the back of the book when dealing with Kaitlin today. They are really powerful and easily understood.
I guess it is all one day at a time, one step of faith after another, and one HOPE which is in The Lord Jesus Christ. I am so blessed to read these comments. They mean so much. Oh Lord please give our daughters quiet and gentle spirits, and hearts undivided in You, give them a yearning for more of your life-changing power, and a deeper personal relationship with You . . . . In Jesus Name ~ Kelly
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Jun. 15, 2005 - That is so right on!
Posted by Lilangels
It seems that many of us are dealing with this attitude lately. I feel so much better knowing I'm not alone with this. Johnathan's been the worse. I'm starting to get the feeling it's the age/hormone thing here. Johnathan is 8 almost 9. I just love reading all your posts Kelly!!
Blessings,
Debby
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Jun. 16, 2005 - Hi!
Posted by HappyApple
You've been Tagged!
Go to my blog and check my "I've been tagged" post to see what you have to do.
Di
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Jun. 19, 2005 - Oh wow!
Posted by LoneStarMama
Have you been at my house lately? We are currently dealing with my 5yo dd's attitude, mouth and anger. I have been convicted over the past week that I really need to be on my knees before the Lord concerning her.
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