TOTALLY GEEKED!

I guess what I am saying is that broken people who find Christ understand that other people have broken moments. Versus those who always think they have always had their act together and are much more unforgiving. I think that is a fair question.

Lawyerlady wrote:

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And I don't like to make empty threats. That's really one of the things that so many parents do. They threaten things to get certain behavior and they don't follow through. I will MAKE myself follow through even if I don't want to. That way, kids learn that you mean what you say.

I hear parents say to their kids that they will cancel their vacation. Really? You will? If that's not something you are willing to actually do, don't say it.

I don't think it's fair to a kid to tell them you will do something and then don't, don't, don't, and then suddenly change your parenting style in a huge way with drastic measures.

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So much this.

My aunt was continually amazed that her kids would behave me and not here. Why? Because I didn't put up with their shenanigans. I made it very clear to them that their behavior is their choice. They choose to behave, they get to go out on fun outings. They choose to misbehave, no outings. I meant what I said. Once, the boys chose to continue fighting in my truck after I said that if they chose to continue fighting, I will turn around and go home. We had just pulled into the parking lot of the Chuck E. Cheese when they started fighting again. I immediately turned around and went home. The youngest said that he didn't think I would actually go home because their mom doesn't. I told him that I'm not mom and I mean what I say. Amazing how quickly they learned that I'm not just speaking to hear my voice.

I will say it left a lasting impression. One time, the boys and I were at Knott's and the youngest started to pitch a fit. I looked him in the eye and asked if we needed to go home. He immediately stopped the fit and was fine the rest of the day.

Ah. So it was an ongoing situation and not just one instant.

Yes. But, either way it is a terrible tragedy. And, why couldn't she have sought help from her parents or someone rather than resorting to that? But, sometimes we act like it is the end of the world if the someone sends a text or photo. Do we really want to tell our kids that their lives are over if they send some naked shot or something? Yeah, it isn't a good thing and yes it is something that might crop up, but I think we need to be careful about talking to kids in All or Nothing language like if you do this, your life is over.