Friday, August 24, 2007

Do you ever surprise yourself while parenting?

I have been in a Friday funk all day and nothing has seemed to shake it. We have had a little friend over playing and that has kept #1 and #2 occupied while I genenrally spent the day feeling overwhelmed, yet doing nothing about it. Nap time rolled around and I tried half heartedly to get #2 and the friend to rest. #2 pushed and pushed and pushed. Finally I had to place him, crying, into his bed. At this point I had spanked him twice for various offenses during the day(which is not unusual). The 3rd time he came out of his room SCREAMING I calmly walked into his room and laid down with him. I started stroking his head and singing Amazing Grace very softly. By the 3rd stanza he was quiet. By the end his eyes were flickering. I crept out of his bed with a promise to check on him soon. That was 30 mins ago and I haven't heard a peep. Sweet boy. I surprised myself by doing the exact opposite of what I wanted to do, what my earthly flesh was calling out for me to do. #2 needed some snuggling and I am glad I looked outside myself and was able to do it.

I say, I don't often get this parenting under pressure thing right, but when I do the rewards are sweet! What is your secret to staying cool?

Happy Friday~

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bless your heart.......how often are we all there?!!! I just was, this moment! Anna bit Justin, he's crying, holding his broken flesh, and I had to spank her (serious offense in our book). Her cry and remorse broke my heart...and all she wanted was for us to love on her, after she told him 'sorry Bubba'! She needed the reassurance that we still loved her, despite what she'd done and the 'earned' consequence! Broke Justin's heart too! Look how God daily reminds us of how He feels as He parents us!!
I will often walk away a minute, pray, count, scream, or cry.....and then try to return to the situation calming!! And, I also sing hymns!!!
You are doing a great job!
xo,B

Anonymous said...

Ethan is like that. The more I spank the worse he got....cuddling ALWAYS did the trick with him but it took me 6 years to figure it out. Now, the other kids....it isn't so hard. I can look at Cass sternly and she will comply, I can say TANNER JACK to the oldest and he knows better. I haven't figured out our little darling....he will be a challenge.

CeCe

Anonymous said...

I read this quote....after making my post...and thought of you and your blog!
"You know the only people who are always sure about the proper way to raise children? Those who've never had any!" --Bill Cosby
So true!! We are all relying on grace and learning as we go!!