A dear friend gave me some advice one day about my kids and their behavior and I would like to share it with you in hopes it will help you too.
One thing at a time.
My kids bite, they kick, they scream, they hit, they don't listen and they are wild. I was trying to fix all of these behavioral problems at once and it got to be too much. I in turn was yelling and screaming and stressing myself out as well as them. One thing at a time. If your kids do any of these things or if they are older and have their own attitude problems I would encourage you to work on one thing at a time. It's our job as parents to teach them the ways of the Lord and whether we are full time working moms or stay at home moms we are teachers. This week we're working on gentle words. We've actually been working on it for quite a few weeks, say 3 to be exact. There are days where we fail miserably. My toddlers wake up in a mood or I wake up in a mood and the whole day is a mess but other days it works really well, with Gods strength anything is possible.
Here's how it works: Pick a verse from the Bible such as "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1. For a whole week pray and ask God to help you speak only gentle words to your kids, and let everything else go until you master the gentle words. (whisper if you have to, I've been whispering a lot) For week 2 (or 4) you can work on patience. A hot - tempered man (woman) stirs up dissension, but a patient man (woman) calms a quarrel. Proverbs 15: 18. I can't gaurantee your house will be any more peaceful, or your kids any more behaved BUT you will feel better inside because you know you're leaning on Gods strength and not your own to get through your day.
This can work for any circumstance, not just with your kids. I've been using it with my husband a lot too (smiles)
One thing at a time. Boy I really need to apply that to my life. Focus on one thing, then move on to another thing. Otherwise it can be overwhelming. That's great advice! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo true Mandy. One thing at a time. We can not tackle all these issues at once. And adding scripture to each issue, so powerful! Great post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post and advice. This has to work at least part of the time, with the Bible verse it will help us to make it all the time. Blessings to you and thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteAmen! I only wish I'd had the outlet of blogging back when mine were young (lol). It would have been so nice to share with other moms, but now that they're 18 and 16, it's a whole other chapter. Thanks for sharing - great post!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great idea!
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