A Parenting Lesson Learned

Today, the moment when I am most repelled by a child’s behavior, that is my sign to draw the very closest to that child.

It's so funny how the Lord gives us just what we need, when we need it. I read this yesterday while I was waiting for my mom to bring the girls home from staying the night at her house. They're always so tired when they stay with someone else.

They started playing as soon as they got home. After about 20 minutes or so Mackenzie began to get very angry and upset with Taylor. She didn't like how she was playing, or whatever she was doing. Mackenzie wanted to be in control.

I gave her a few warnings. I told her she wasn't using a kind voice, and that she was being mean. She needed to play nice.

Next thing I knew she was grabbing her sister in her arms through clenched teeth, being very mean. I snatched her up and we headed for her room for a little time out, so she could cool off.

She was screaming, kicking her legs, yelling I don't want to sit on my bed, all with her arms wrapped around my neck.

Usually this kind of behavior would get her a spanking, but this wasn't normal behavior for her.

This kept popping into my mind: Today, the moment when I am most repelled by a child’s behavior, that is my sign to draw the very closest to that child.

I cradled her like I always do when she's hurt or upset. She was crying. She was clearly distressed, and tired.

We sat there while I held her and we talked. She finally calmed down. We laid on her bed and we talked some more. We talked about her behavior, and then we just talked about nothing. I held her in my arms, just letting her know that I loved her.

Her sister came back with a book of stickers all ready to play and share. Mackenzie got up, happy as can be. She was perfectly fine the rest of the day. Not one more episode.

I was so thankful I didn't lose my patience with her. I kept my temper under control, which isn't exactly easy to do with a screaming and kicking child.

I was so thankful that the Lord led me to that sentence. Today, the moment when I am most repelled by a child’s behavior, that is my sign to draw the very closest to that child.

I'm not embarrassed or ashamed to say that I really have no idea what I'm doing. I'm just a mom of two 4 year olds who is trying to instill good behavior in her kids, who does get angry more often that I'd like. I'm not perfect. I just want to raise my children to love the Lord, and be kind to others.

After the situation with Mackenzie I was very grateful to the Lord for the parenting lesson. Afterall, children learn by example. What example do I want to leave them with? It's ok to have an emotional breakdown, and children do have them as well. A little attention and love can fix almost anything.