Ugh, discipline
So, the patterns of discipline and honesty I’m working with my kids on now while they’re little will extend into their teenage years? Boy, what an incentive to get it right!
There are plenty of moments when I just react; I don’t ask them why they did something, I just jump to a conclusion and put them in time-out. All I’m doing is enforcing; I’m not discipling my kids.
The moments I’m at my best is when I slow down and treat them the way I like to be treated – I am direct but kind, I stop to hear the explanation, I look for their heart in what happened. Sure, there are still time-outs. But hopefully they are motivating in the right way, instead of discouraging.
I was the kid who, when I was little, was strong-willed, and willing to take any punishment if it meant I could be a little reckless. As I got older and more socially aware, I hated being in trouble (especially at school). I’m starting to see this sensitivity in my older son; as his needs change, my ways of dealing with him have to change.
I’m so thankful for my Heavenly Father who knows which means of discipline will develop me instead of crush me; I’m thankful for His Spirit that draws me into discipleship.