I have read recently about tomato-staking. See http://www.raisinggodlytomatoes.com/problemchild.htm for more info on this parenting technique. Also remember that I don't think we can parent based on any one philosophy but need to seek God in his wisdom for our families. BUT reading ideas like this can help.
The basics of the idea is that you keep your kids with you so that you can catch problems as they come. With a child having more particular problems you keep them VERY close to you for periods of time or all day. Anyways, at times I've been trying a mild version of tomato staking wtih some of my children. It has been helpful. Sometimes I just use it during difficult times of the day to have a child next to me who I know will typically get into trouble during that time of day.
My 2-year-old is a good example of this. It's easy for him to get in trouble before dinnertime, but he loves to be a help. I've found the perfect "job" for him to keep him busy and helpful. He loves to rip lettuce for our salad! What 2-year-old doesn't like to rip things?! We generally have a salad most meals so I will set him up with a bowl and some washed lettuce and let him rip lettuce as much as he wants. Of course we'll get an occasional whole leaf of lettuce in there or some tiny lettuce bits, but that's definitely worth the price for the peace of that time of day! He also will break big chunks of broccoli or cauliflower apart and put them in the salad.
Getting your children involved with you during those tough times of day can be the best prevention for problems. Plus you're building your relationship with them at the same time! So keep those "tomatoes" close to you so they don't fall apart and become an unproductive mess!
What a cool concept! Kind of makes you want to hit your forehead and go, "Duh! Why didn't I think of that?" I'll definitely be trying this and I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for posting this.
I don't know if you noticed the link on my site! It is a great site! There is a message board too. I joined, but I don't really have the time to participate like some do. But sometimes I read the message headlines just to see if it is anything I am struggling with in my house! :) I agree that we must use God's Word as our most important source. That is why I like RGT because she quotes so many scriptures!
I really enjoyed reading about your strategies for weeking/watering without hassles! I pray you find the right plan! What I have discovered is that many times I have to update my plans as they age! :)
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• Tue 19 Jun 2007 - Untitled Comment
Hugs,
Amanda