I am in the process of going through some of my email folders. I have a bad habit of dumping correspondence into folders and then never actually “doing” anything with it. I guess I just hate to delete (forever) something that I might need or that has been meaningful to me at some point.
One of the things that we love about Values-Driven is getting feedback from folks about how our resources have benefitted their family. The comments and questions are also fun for us to field and we enjoy adding a bit more dimension to our online endeavors. As I was clearing out my Values-Driven correspondence folder, I re-read this one and laughed all over again. I thought I would post it, just because. Enjoy!
——————————————–
(Comment:)
Help! My boys hate each other! Actually just a little prayer for my sanity as a homeschool mom would be great!
(Response:)
I, too, have days when I feel like all my kids do is bicker. ARRRGGGH!! But, the good days outnumber the bad. Unfortunately, when my children seem to be having difficulties in this area, I often have to look in the mirror–and it is painful. If my children are being short with one another, chances are I’ve been irritable and not responding to them in a kind manner–or maybe I’m just barking out orders because we’re in a rush to get somewhere. When they’re arguing about who-had-what (“that’s mine!”), very often it’s just a root of selfishness that I see in my own self as well (I want to sit down and relax for a minute; No, I can’t help you right now!…).
On the other hand, children are children…and folly is bound in the heart of a child. They are children of God with their own sin nature and their own weaknesses and failings. So even though, very often, “the apples don’t fall far from the tree,” in other instances, it’s just necessary for me to be more diligent in training. It takes a lot of patience to disciple your children, as I’m sure you’re aware. It’s easy to get lax, to want to give up. Usually I see “backslides” in behaviors when the children have been doing really well for a while and I “reward” them by relaxing the standard or not doing some of the usual teaching & training that we’ve become accustomed to. So it’s important to always stay the course, consistently pointing our children to God’s Word and the Christlike character that is His goal for us as maturing Christians.
Unfortunately, we are a “quick fix” culture (myself included). We want the maximum results with the minimum effort. We want it NOW–not 18 years from now! But, God gave us our children for many years, for a good reason. They need that many years of gentle, patient, loving, and persistent training, encouragement, and discipline. There are ups and downs! I hope you will stay encouraged in this wonderful journey. Enjoy your children and expect them to enjoy each other! I will keep you in prayer–I know how you feel! If you have any specific questions, I’ll be happy to do my best to answer.
God bless you!
Cindy Carrier
(Reply:)
Thank you so much! You really nailed it with the irritable mom, the ‘just-a-minute’ mom, and the ‘reward-the-good-behavior-by-being-lax mom’….are you spying on me????? LOL!…I’m learning!!!!! Thanks so much for your resources!