Wednesday, June 17, 2009

the stand-off

I had a 45 minute stand-off with my beautiful little girl this evening. It was sad. She was not obeying very well, and though I can reason it away as a teething, sleepy, missing her Daddy sort of temperament, it isn't good or safe for her to not obey her parents, so I brought in the reinforcements: time out. All she had to do to get out was say sorry for not obeying (just a quick "sorry" would have sufficed). She cried and screamed and mournfully yelled out the names of toys in the room she wanted to be playing with at the moment ("Bllloooocks....baaaabieeees, etc.). I kept repeating in an even voice that she could definitely play with them after she said sorry. 45 minutes later a small sorry escaped her lips, followed by a hug and a kiss, and off she went playing.

Kids are supposed to be testing their boundaries as they figure out their little place in life, and parents are supposed to stand their ground when the battles warrant being fought, but boy it's tiring! It isn't easy being a Mommy...especially one who's husband is a touring musician. Sigh.

On a happy note, she immediately forgot the trauma and we played tons, read books, and I got to cuddle her to sleep. I thank God every day for these two little sweethearts.

4 comments:

Brittney Harmon said...

Hang in there... that stubbornness will be a blessing when she's older! Sounds like you're doing an amazing job!!! Keep up the good work :o)

Morgan Jane said...

I so appreciate the way you parent Jess, and the fact that you actually discipline your girls because you love them. I can't imagine how hard it is, and how much you want to laugh as she shouts her toys names (hysterical) but you're doing wonderful!

Kevin and Keri Sheckler said...

Thank you for being a godly mother. How do parents expect their children to trust and obey God if they don't have to do so with their mommies and daddies.

Bunmi said...

Sounds just like my little 3-year old. I always think to myself, "we could have avoided all of this drama if you'd just obeyed." And I know God has said the same thing to me :)

You're such a great mother! It's not easy to stand strong...especially with a smart little girl playing -who-is-going-to-give-in-first!