CLICK HERE FOR THOUSANDS OF FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES »

Friday, August 15, 2008

Creative Parenting

Attachment disciplining very often goes against the natural instinct for what you would do. For example, a disregulated child needs a time-in in the same room as mom, not a time-out isolated in their own room. This is when staying focused on the Lord is so necessary. You need the prompting of the Holy Spirit to really know what the child needs in the moment. Take yesterday:
I gave two of my kiddos the chore of unloading the dishwasher. (One struggling with attachment, one not). I then went into another room with another child. The two joined us a few minutes later. "Is the dishwasher empty?" Struggling to Attach says, " "yes, it is finished." Her sister is too young to take responsibility for this or to know what is needed to be done. About 20 minutes later, I went into the kitchen to find the dishwasher empty EXCEPT the silverware. Child is questioned and she stammers and ums until she admits she lied and wanted control. (boo for the action, yay for identifying it). I then said, "Oh, that makes mommy sad that you do not trust mommy and wanted control. (HS prompts my heart and I call her sister in) Now, your sister GETS to finish helping mommy by putting the silverware away. Sister still thinks this is the greatest thing ever (yes she is little!) and is happy dancing. Older sister stands wounded watching her sister finish the chore. She then says, Mommy, I am sad because I lied to you. I am sorry, Mommy. WOW! In tears, in my arms, repenting. Thank you, Lord!! I know that my reaction would typically be to put her in the corner and probably spiral her for the day. But the response in the Lord was not typical and curbed her behavior faster than anything I have seen before!

4 comments:

Brenda said...

Your daughter has made some major steps lately. I'm so happy for you all.

Anonymous said...

I just want you to come here for a week and teach me all this!

Angelia

Mary said...

I love hearing the victories of parenting in a way that is so pleasing to our God. Nice job mommy! Thanks for the specifics, I am learning!!

Andy and Kiara said...

Praise the Lord! What a blessing. :)