Monday, December 10, 2007

Lessons From My Husband (2 of 5)

Getting on their level

Your 4 year old is being extra cranky. You’ve had your fill. He challenges your correction one more time, arguing with you and you’re losing your patience. You begin to argue with him, your voice changing to a high-pitched-not-quite-scream.

Guess what? You have sunk to the level of your 4-year-old.

I used to do this quite often, but I’ve gotten better, learning to recognize and rise above the situation.



Now, I only sink to the level of a 13 year old. = )

Here are some things Dirk helped me to remember:

1. I am the mom. My child is a child (even if they are 17)
2. It is my responsibility to train and teach them
3. Learn to quickly recognize the signs of going down this path
4. Respond rather than react—stay calm
5. Try answering, “There will be no more discussion about this”.
6. Be willing to spend the necessary time teaching a correct response to your child
7. Follow-through with consequences

Soon, you should begin to see positive changes in your child----AND in you!

5 comments:

  1. I love this! You guys are very wise.

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  2. Respond rather than react...must remember this one!

    Thanks, Robin!

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  3. I'm convinced that whatever wisdom I may have comes from the many mistakes I have made!!

    Thanks, girls!

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  4. You have no idea how many times I used number 5 today :) My 5 year old loves to have a discussion and then decide if he would like to obey. He is so darn cute though...

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  5. Stay calm, I can handle that one most of the time. Following through on consequences, not so much; I can tend to be a softy.

    And I amd wanting a daughter, it would only get worse.

    Thanks Dirk & Robin!

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