This is one of his FAVORITE traditions. His dad always took him and his brother and sister to donuts every Saturday (which we normally do). He really treasured that time with him and decided early on that he wanted that with his kids as well. It has become a great tradition that everyone looks forward to and wants to continue.
Today I got together with my good friends from college. We've been trying to do Thursday playdates but things have often come up. I almost cancelled today as well- just because the boys are still trying to catch up on sleep from all the recent action. But I figured we'd give it a shot. And I was on damage control- most of the morning. There were a few brief moments of calm fun. But they did not have enough in them to go swimming so we called it a day a bit early and headed home for a nap. It's so hard. Because I feel like either all my friends have girls- that seem to play a LOT differently than boys- or they have younger kids that aren't to the fit throwing stage yet- or their kids just seem a lot more flexible and laid back than mine. (chuckle) I feel like- when they aren't at their own house- my kids are usually the loud, busybusybusy, kids than others must think are not very disciplined. But then I think, "If only you had my child-......" I feel like wearing a T-Shirt that says,I do practice love and logic.
I do spank him when he's being naughty.
I do give time outs and talk about behavior and what needs to change.
I do read books on child pyschology.
I do give lots of attention and individualized time.
I am consistent.
I do communicate with my spouse as we modify and adjust our plan.
I do pray DAILY.
I do praise him when he's good.
I do give him incentives and things to work for.
I do lead by example.
I do ALL THAT I KNOW TO DO.
And he STILL acts like this sometimes.
I think probably all parents go through that at some time or another as they are going through the stages but since I have had 2 boys so close in age- my stage seems to be lasting for....awhile.......
5 comments:
The donut tradition is a favorite at our house too-every Friday! I love the picture of Jeremy with the boys, that is a cute one.
It is refreshing to see someone else on the same discipline side-I look at everyone else and I'm wondering where I went wrong...Brek can't share, Sy is starting to be more short-tempered...and number 3?!? So I guess this isn't an encouraging comment necessarily, but you're NOT alone!:)
Okay, I've had to catch up a little, so I'm commenting on several posts:
1. Where can I get one of those shirts? I think it's hard when you work with kids to see your own kids behaviors and not immediately read into the future and see tragic results--at least I always do.
2. "I'm tired of washing the same thing over and over..." Amen, Glory, Hallelujah.
3. Can I hire you to make Evan's next birthday cake? Seriously, those are awesome. We still need to get the boys together to play trains.
4. I'm REALLY curious about the treaty...you'll need to write more soon.
5. Jeremy makes me so proud to live in this state. I'm all choked up...
Wow! Impressive! Party! Cakes! Grandkids! Hospitality! I think the best moments were -- as you said -- seeing the boys excitement with the cakes and the THOMAS tablecloth. Can you imagine having 8 kids under 8?! at Grandma's house. Yes, we are blessed with great family.
I'd like one of the t-shirts too.
I LOVED this post! It's so funny to me because really, kids are born with a very distinct personality and although you can curb it and direct it you ABSOLUTELY CANNOT CHANGE IT. Plain and simple, it's just the way it is. Belle has been strong willed since the minute she was born. But, with that strong will comes an incredible sense of self, determination and strength. She will need all of those things to get her through life. So over the years we've been able to direct her and teach her and even punish her but we've done all those things without squashing that fire in her that makes her who she is. I would never want her to lose that determination and will.
Ok, so that was probably more than you wanted to hear but I got the same comments as you and the same looks and at the end of the day you know your child better than anyone else and you know that you are doing a good job - so keep it up:) And, we love that very same donut place and had to get donuts about every other day while we visited this summer. Such a great tradition.
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