No talking. No emotion. These are the two things that I have are so important when disciplining Gracie. So why do I constantly fail at them?
In the Girl Talk Bible study I am doing with a group of women, it asks us what walls we have up when it comes to relationships with others. I have a wall that I didn't even know was there until today. I have put up a wall and won't let anyone give me advice on how to handle discipline with Gracie. Gracie is a funny, sweet, smart, energetic, curious, wonderful girl! But she is also very strong-willed, emotional and complicated, just like her mom. Add to that the fact that she is three, and I feel like pulling my hair out most days.
I have put up the wall because I feel like no one can possibly know what Jim and I go through with her. It's. Just. Not. Easy. But I also know that by shutting out other people's suggestions, I might be missing out on the one thing that will work for her that day. You see, God calls us to be in community with one another, helping each other through our struggles. We can't do it alone, so he sends us Godly women to help us and gives us the Bible as the ultimate parenting book.
Both of my girls are such blessings with many strengths to their personalities. I hope to encourage those strengths and help them work on their weaknesses. I don't want Gracie to change who she is. I just hope to teach her how to control herself and how to choose happiness. It won't be easy for her. But her road to doing it starts with me. I have to model the no talking, no emotion to her when disciplining her. That shows her self-control. But the road to being able to model it to her starts with me relying on God. I have never been on my knees praying to God more and crying out for wisdom than since I became a mother. If we seek out wisdom, God will give it to us.
Random Words of Wisdom
Kids will resist whatever we let them resist.
Our attitude affects everything.
Favorite moments are to come later, when Gracie can help me.