Parenting: UPDATED

My little angel...I hope it lasts!


I truly believe that God has reserved the most special spirits for these last days. Which is probably why they are so stubborn and naughty.


I can't tell you how many times I have sat in despair staring at my computer screen going through web page after web page looking for the answer to my endless anxieties and questions about parenting.

My favorite solution for naughty behavior came from a book written in the dark ages. It said, "THE BEST (and yes it was in bold type) TYPE OF DISCIPLINE THAT WILL GET THROUGH TO YOUR BRATTY BROOD IS SPANKING! SPANKING! SPANK SPANK!"

We have had to turn the crib into a cage with both Josh and Eva, and since I don't think it is very safe (and the fact that Eva kept getting her head stuck) I removed the blanket we had tied to the top of the crib. Needless to say, there has been a lot of silliness going on with all the jumping out and back in.

Just now I went to check on my little woman who was supposed to be napping and, once again, Hurricane Eva had struck. Blankets everywhere, all of her pajamas strewn across the floor. As I picked everything up, I discovered a new type of animal: A tiger with an underwear mane. Eva had put 12 pairs of little girl undies around the poor tiger's neck, as in stuck it's head through 12 pairs of little girl undie leg holes. It was AWESOME. And as I released the poor animal from it's pantie prison, I regretted not taking a picture...sigh....

I have come to the conclusion that the best type of parenting should start with asking yourself, "What would God do?" And I have come to another conclusion that if God punished his children like I sometimes discipline mine, we would all be dead.

I think the first step in discipline is love. You must love your children before you can lead them to the right place. And I think if love is your guide, your kids will just follow because they want to.

It seems to be working. I have tried to do this for a whole day now!



Here is my remake:

Comments

Katscratchme said…
If she ever puts panties on a tiger again.. take a picture... you will thank yourself later.. for years and years and years to come. :)
Kristin said…
Love the beautiful blessing picture! I'm reading a great book that someone lent me called, "Manipulating Parents" it is actually pretty good (for what I've read so far and mind you I've tested none of it out! :) The Lender had to read years ago in conjunction with a BYU class and used the techniques with her 5 almost raised boys...
Rebecca's Oasis said…
beautiful baby!

I have three children who reason everything. It is sometimes frustrating. However, their arguments are usually sound.
Tina said…
Oh, I just LOVE how you put panties on the tiger again, just to get a picture!! That made me laugh.

Ya, discipline... I'm having a hard time with Jacob these days too. I agree with treating our kids how God would treat them. That is soooo true. Good luck with everything. I'm sure we will get more fun stories from you soon. Can't wait...
Trillium said…
Hmmmmm---pantie leis -- a designer in the making!
Tiffany said…
thank you Dara. I really need that reminder daily...to love my kids when they are being naughty. It's so hard to do sometimes, but you're right it is the best way.

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