One of the things that Trip, et al, do not address, is what to do when you discipline a child for disobedience (regardless of the method), and the child still does not obey. A parent has three options: 1. Repeat the same discipline, with the same intensity. 2. Repeat the same discipline, increasing the intensity. [...]
Filed under: Discipleship, Obedience
We’ve talked about making a distinction between “want” and “need” a number of times. Most often, we have this discussion when we’re shopping. “Mom, do we need popcorn?” “No, we don’t need popcorn, but mommy wants some.” “Mom, we need cookies.” “We don’t ever need sweets, but they’re fun to eat. We’re not going to [...]
Filed under: Communication and Meaning
I’m happy to report that I see much improvement in the area of obedience over the last few days, particularly with Bethel. Whether that change is the result of a greater awareness for me to follow through, an exit from a difficult stage, the grace of God, or all of the above, I’m still mindful [...]
Filed under: Discipleship, Introspection, Obedience
Mom talks a lot about asking questions, and I’m always wondering what questions I can ask a two or three year old. Questioning is clearly something that takes practice, and that I need more practice with. It still feels a bit awkward sometimes. But this time it came out right. Discussion: What did mommy ask [...]
Filed under: Obedience, Using Questions
Lee observed the other day that he often doesn’t ask Bethel to do something (like help clear the table) because David gets it done faster. I told him that I’ve been avoiding asking her to do something because I don’t want to deal with making sure she obeys. So we’ve been working on obedience lately [...]
Filed under: Obedience
Several weeks ago, Lee decided the children were ready to give up their pacifiers. It was one of those “I think you’re wrong, but I’ll submit anyway” moments. To both of our surprise, they adjusted quite well, and quickly. Bethel has had trouble getting to sleep, although she isn’t asking for the pacifier. I just [...]
Filed under: Bedtime
I love the question “why.” I’ve mentioned before that I don’t have a problem saying “because I said so” particularly if my children are stalling for obedience. I’ve told them to “obey first, and then ask why” and often they take me up on the offer. Today it dawned on me that David’s “Why” in [...]
Filed under: Obedience
Update on the comprehension of God’s Omniscience. When I ask David if God sees him [name the action here], his answer depends. If the action is being kind to his sister, obeying mom, or some other positive action, he’ll answer, “Yes” (God sees him). David’s answer when he is being sinful is consistently, “No.” (“Did [...]
Filed under: Discipleship, Scripture Memory
On a recent trip out to eat, our dear three year old decided to help pass the time by singing. He sang really loud, loud enough for people to turn around and look. We parents who were sitting next to him did not tell him to sing more quietly. Why? He was singing “Jesus Loves [...]
Filed under: Mom Time
I’ve been thinking about that verse (see previous post) and its apparent lack of relevance to my children’s unregenerate lives. Then it dawned on me: If I’m explaining the verses to my children (as I should be), I will of course tell my children that that portion of the verse does not apply to them. [...]
Filed under: Introspection, Scripture Memory
