#6 - Be firm. The more tired or discouraged I get, I notice a change in how
I speak to my Crew. I start to ask for obedience!! When I discovered
this, I was shocked. I always was a firm baby-sitter back in my teenager days
and I thought I was always firm and in charge as a Mommy. It's just something
I've noticed creeping in the back door. And, I think (still working through
this one) it leads to more power struggle. They think the Mommy position is
available, so they lobby for it! Gah!!!! So, for example, "Are you ready
for naptime?" Of course they aren't ready for naptime! Are you kidding
me?!!! Playtime is way better in their mind! Rephrase, exercise self control
with your words, and be firm. When you have a loving heart, firmness is right
on. Firm voice, firm words and a loving heart all lead to more obedience in my
opinion.
