Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Dinner Time Conversation

Tonight at dinner, King Charming and I had to have a conversation with the girls about some behavior problems we've noticed. They haven't been listening and obeying me very well lately. Their respect for me was slipping, and we knew we had to nip it in the bud before it got to be a real problem.

They discovered Mommy is a pushover, so they were waiting to obey me until it fit into their own agenda or until I was frustrated enough to yell about it. It's funny. One of my strongest suits as a teacher was classroom management. I prided myself in having a very peaceful, well-run classroom, and was also proud that I never yelled. I'm so soft spoken, yelling at 12-year-olds would never have worked. I just trained them well, made my expectations of a peaceful, safe, happy, QUIET, classroom very clear and was super consistent in enforcing those expectations.

I figured I'd be good at that as a mom, too. NOPE. Not at all. Anyway, I knew it was time to stop letting it escalate to the point of yelling and nagging. We told the girls at dinner that I would tell them once, then there would be an immediate consequence for not obeying. They responded really well to the conversation and even admitted to knowing that they were doing it.

The best part of the talk was when King Charming said, "The Bible says it is really important to obey your parents."

He was going to say more, but the girls didn't miss a beat before they said in unison, "Ephesians 6:1, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right." And then went back to eating their roast beef.

KC and I looked at each other in surprise. We weren't expecting them to actually quote the scripture from the Bible where it said that! : )

All I can say is AWANA rocks!

There was an immediate change in their attitude towards me tonight. They were so helpful and respectful. I'm so thankful for my sweet girls and their sensitive hearts. And seeing how they apply the Word of God they have stowed in their little hearts.

9 comments:

Mom said...

Remember that the next time you think you are failing as a parent. Just remember who your partner is. He did a great job of raising my kids! Love, Mom

LifeAtTheCircus.com said...

How wonderful to see them quoting and applying Scripture. And what an awesome hubby you have! I too share your struggle and am thankful for my husband's support and headship.

Katy said...

I totally agree! AWANA Rocks! :)

Shanda said...

Scripture, Scripture, Scripture...

We sing a song from Hermie and Wormie's Scripture songs (Max Lucado)... "I will hide your Word in my heart, so I will not sin against You." So catchy and an amazing the difference it can make in the lives of our children, no matter what their ages! Thanks for the reminder.

Bethany said...

Aww, that is so sweet that they know verses like that. I'm glad there is already improvement-- hope it continues!

I left you a few awards on my blog! :)

Daiquiri said...

I just got the "hey, that was one of my AWANA verses" from Ben the other day. I was thrilled - I wondered if he was remembering just enough to pass the little quizzes, but then forgetting. I guess not :)

Lori said...

I am a Discovery teacher (similar to AWANA just a cheaper one) and I am always so worried that the kids are learning just enough to get through the night, but the other Wednesday I had asked them if they could remember any of the verses they had learned this year, and all of them remembered a different verse, it was so encouraging to me as a teacher to see that.

Nancy said...

Hi from Grandma

The Jernigan Family said...

ah the joys of parenthood. At least they figured it out on their own. I have heard of other moms duct taping their kids in the corner and using hot sauce lol. Haven't quite gotten to that point yet. You are lucky to have such a great partner! Sometimes I think that Sage get's bored of me because she sees me all the time that she really listens to her daddy.
I am SO SO excited to see PC's new room!