Archives for December 2006

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 get cookies today.”

You get the idea. At the dinner table yesterday, David said,
“Dad, I nee– want some soda”

I was so pleased. 🙂 Now I’m wondering how consistent I am in making the distinction. I’ll have to pay attention for awhile.

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 that it is always God’s grace that I desire to be a godly parent. It is always God’s grace that my children are obedient (when they are!). And any good in them or me is a result of God’s grace in my life.

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 you to do?
Bring the boxes to the chair.
What did you do?
Stacked them
Why was mommy unhappy?
I stacked the boxes.
Is stacking boxes bad?
[silence] No, stacking boxes isn’t bad. You have stacked boxes before. Was mommy unhappy because you disobeyed?
Yes.

I think the question that came out that was different from previous questions was helping him to understand that the issue isn’t stacking boxes, but disobedience. Maybe he’s just getting to where he can understand that talk. I don’t think Bethel (2) would get it. She’s still pretty concrete in her thinking.