What we have been working on, in no particular order:
- Not having a meltdown when mom assigns an unexpected chore.
- Being content when someone else gets more.
- How to restore a relationship with siblings when excessive teasing has rendered them cynics.
- That mom can be instructive (“you may not have this, because you whined for it”), but siblings do not have the authority to be instructive in this way (“I will not pour the milk for you because you whined”).
- Respect– dramatic sighs and stomping up the stairs are disrespectful. Tone of voice matters when you say Yes Ma’am.
- Anger– Angry thoughts seep out, even when we try not to let them show.
- God’s grace is sufficient for us. God always gives us the light that we need.
This list tempts me to be overwhelmed, as a parent, except I’m realizing that these are all challenges that we adults face. God is giving me a chance to work through them on a child’s level, and as usual, challenging me with the parallels to my own life. It is good.