I have been wondering why I haven't read this book until now. For 3 years my kids' principal has been including excerpts in the parent newsletter and it has been recommended countless times. Why oh why did I not read it sooner? Now I have a 10 year old who will have to suffer along with us as we make the painful shift in our parenting techniques!
This week I have made several difficult, albeit thrilling milestones.
On Monday Aidan called from his classroom asking me to bring his homework to school. I said no! And it was hard! It's not like I wrung my hands and paced the halls out of guilt, but it was a first for me, having run many a lunch and homework assignment down to school. We are only a block away! And everyone knows I don't work. I'm home. I could. The pressure to be an attentive and thoughtful Mom on call is huge! But I told him I wanted him to learn responsibility and that I wouldn't be bringing his homework.
On Wednesday Aidan called and asked me to come pick him up so he wouldn't have to walk the block home. His stomach hurt from eating so much at the Safety Patrol celebration party. I said no. (This time it felt much easier. His buffet etiquette grosses me out.)
And on Wednesday night, after being given the freedom to take a shower when he chose before bedtime, we returned home from a date to find him fully clothed in his dirty school attire asleep in bed! We decided to give him a choice the next morning. He would not be allowed to put clean clothes on a dirty body. So his choice would be to wear the same outfit to school or to take an early morning shower, in the "girls' shower" because Chris would be using the other one at that time. Ooohhh he did not like his choice! He angrily showered and went to school.
This is so challenging! It's amazing, when you are aware of your actions and words, how many bad things you say and do! I wish wish wish I had read this book years ago!
"My child, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad." Proverbs 23:15
3 comments:
it's also kind of fun. i mean the shower business? that's a good story.
Hey, we just were introduced to the basics of this at some foster parent training we've done. Looks like tracking down the book would be worth it. (the training wasn't) Only 4 weeks til child #3 is due...so any day really knowing our history! Would love to hear more about the home God has provided you with in Colorado. Optum.
I was raised on Love and Logic. I have good things to say about the books. I bet you'll really enjoy it and I am guessing that it won't be long before your 10 yr old (and the other two) likes the ideas in it too.
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