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Urban Homesteaders and Homeschoolers
Jun. 26, 2006 - Storm Clouds
I snapped this photo just before going to pick
up my kids at VBS. How appropriate that storm clouds were rolling in, as my
little cyclone 2B6 had created quite a storm that morning while at VBS.
Although his behavior didn't seem storm-worthy to me, his teacher informed me
that I needed to parent him differently. I was flabbergasted, as I had never
met this woman in my life! Then, she proceeded to lay out the punitive measures
she used on her own children. I explained that I had been down that road before,
and couldn't see anything but lots of therapy bills as an end result. I prefer
a grace-based parenting style myself, based on God's mercy and grace.
Contrary to popular belief, this is not permissive parenting. My kids have
limits and boundaries, but they are enforced with as much grace and creativity
as I can muster, which some days, to be honest, isn't much.
According to this woman's model, my son should receive a "pop"
with a spatula, which is what she uses with her own children. Instead, I used a
listening ear, a healthy dose of Biblical wisdom given orally, and a very
disappointed look. Guess which method will have a more long-lasting effect?
Guess which one is more likely to cause a change of heart? My son was extra
tender with me for the rest of the day, because he knows how much I love him
and how disappointed I was. He was constantly patting my arm, looking into my
eyes, and talking as gently as he could. To be perfectly frank, he was probably
also hoping to be able to play his favorite computer game tomorrow. I do take
away privileges, but "popping" is out of the question.
In parenting the beautiful gifts that my Heavenly Father has given to me, I am
always seeking the obedient heart, rather than mere outward obedience. While
this may mean some occasional rough spots now, today I am building
relationships and bridges to their Heavenly Father and to me, with a view to
the future. I am looking towards the day when they are
teenagers--and are taller than me.
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You just keep right on doing what you are doing! I am curious. Are you going back to VBS again? Is it VBS at your church or are you visiting another VBS?
So...that's what you are looking at in that picture! Cool! We just found the Dragon last year, so I missed the harsh dragon I guess. We enjoyed playing putt putt there last year, it was loads of fun. And neat that the picture was taken of you looking at something I have seen:) Small world.
I'll keep everyone posted on the chore progress. DD came in this morning to draw her chore out unasked. But she is a lot like her mommy, she likes to get things out of the way!