I have been busy lately, trying to do special needs stuff with my eleven year old, grade papers for the 8th grader, teach my two elementary boys and prepare for an upcoming move and childbirth.  My four year old has been pretty good about finding constructive things to do, although I have been continually exasperated by his disrespect and poky obedience.  My attempts to discipline him have been met by tantrums, the message was clearly not getting through to him.  I finally realized that what this energetic little guy needed was a bit more constructive guidance.  In one particular episode, I sat him down beside me and told him he could not leave until he calmed down.  He roared a few more times and then went into a big story with sound effects of some make believe happening.  He immediately calmed down and I was able to instruct him. 

It is important as we are raising children to look at discipline issues from many angles.  His disobedience is a result of my neligence in consistent training, however, even in one so young if he is not feeling loved and listened to by me, his heart is not easy to rein in.  If I am dealing with problems with a child, I need to be sure that the remedy is one part correction, and two parts love and encouragement.

He has been much sweeter the last few days.  Still needs help with obedience, but he is listening better.  His latest exploit is filling the bathroom sink with water and floating things.  He found that play dough does not float well.  And I found a sink covered in  gooey, green slime.

All in a days work