Some time ago, John left me a comment that described "discipline" as "teaching". I like that definition much better than "punishment".
Still, the "disciplining" that I refer to in the title is "punishment". But, I'm going to take a break from it.
Sometimes after reading a new parenting book, I find myself trying out all the strategies I just read. And very often, I feel trapped by them. Y'know, once you carry it out once, you'll have to carry it out again otherwise the child might think you're not serious about it blah blah blah blah. And worse, sometimes, out of frustration, I know I misuse things like the time-out.
I've noticed that Aaron seems to act out even more on days that I have used one of those strategies. They are all starting to backfire on me ALREADY.
On a couple of days this week, I tried keeping things positive and "reasoned" with him with a smile each time. NOT EASY. He of course cried less and was a lot happier. More importantly, he behaved (marginally) better!
I know it won't last and I'll have to change this strategy again soon. Afterall, he's changing all the time and catching on to my ways of teaching him boundaries. Why didn't God (or whoever made us) just send a little manual along with the child? (Maybe fathers can be the ones who deliver the manual.) Y'know, with specific instructions for that particular human being.
4 comments:
I don't think there's a parent in the world who hasn't wished that the children came with an instruction manual instead of an afterbirth. Next week, I'll have a Cartoon Saturday entry for you on that very topic! Good luck.
I've had people with kids ask me, "when does it get better?" I'd tell them it doesn't, it just gets different.
Wow do I have the same problem with The Little Man. I try so hard to just stay calm, but he can get whipped up:P Parenting is hard...I agree, I want a manual.
Just coming back to check what's going on. And you know, my thoughts went down a whole different path this time when I thought of a 'discipline break'. We'll talk later.
Post a Comment