#4 - Be careful what you command. I get busy. Super busy. And when I do, I
dole out commands left and right, including things that actually require
assistance. Then, I get frustrated because she's not listening. So, I have to
rein in my mouth. I have to have self control over myself to stop and go help
her do the things she should. Take heart. They are young. You won't be doing
this for them when they are older. (I have 2 older ones and they are a huge
help now!) This is an investment of training now. "But my to-do list is so
long!" Yes, and it will be even longer in 5 years if you have to do
everything for them at that stage in life too! So, instead of yelling out,
"Go get your sippy cup" (something you know she can do, but may or
may not exercise the self control to do), take her hand and find the sippy cup.
Then, give her the same command when you're 2 feet from the cup. Build up to
that obedience level that we expect from them. The flip side is that when she's
receiving commands and she knows you're busy and not paying attention, she will
capitalize on that. "Mommy isn't paying attention and so I don't have to
either." When I slow down and pay attention and really supervize and
assist according to the age level of the child, the obedience level (and
happiness level) goes way up in our house. The other trap I find myself falling
into is repeating myself. I stop paying attention and pretty soon I say things
5-6 times before I see obedience. And then I have the gall to complain to my
husband. The answers are in my own hand! Pay attention. I shoot for only saying
something twice. But that means I have to be paying attention to give the
command. Repeat. Then, enforce and follow-up. I need my children to obey at
once. That is what God expects of me, so that is what I'm shooting for with
them.
