Rambling Thoughts On Instructing My Children

My children are all over the place, as I assume, most of my readers would probably say the same for their child(ren).

Bubbie is five-and-a-half  and constantly bouncing.  I should have nick-named him Tigger, from Winnie the Pooh.  He can barely sit still some days.  In the afternoons, a few times a week, if he has been obedient, I allow him to "rest" while watching PBS kids, instead of in his bed.  The only thing I ask of him is to be quiet and sit still- lay down- just be still.  Fat chance of that happening.  My oldest is falling off the chair, laying on the floor- anywhere but the chair.  

Peanut is two-and-a-half and boy! does it show!  He is constantly into things.  I haven't mastered the art of being "one -step- ahead" of him, because its next to impossible.  As I'm cleaning up a mess that he has just made, he is beside me getting into something else.  Its a constant chore to keep his fingers occupied with something good rather than him being tempted to do naughty or destructive things.  

Buggy is eight months, going on eighteen months.  This child amazes me every single day.  He started cruising VERY well, last week, around the coffee table.... He should NOT be doing this!  Baby Bean has broken a lamp 3x, just by pulling up and shaking it.  Hubbie is very proud that his son has rhythm, because each time he gets to standing up, holding on with one hand while shaking the lamp- he's doing it in tempo.  Maybe he'll be a musical soul.....  Anyway, I couldn't begin to tell you the countless things this child has been able to get into his mouth.  I am always surveying the carpet, as I sit him down to play.  If there is something- anywhere- he will find it.

Having these three boys, at different ages and stages, has been a challenge, but mostly a huge learning lesson from the Lord.  I find myself getting frustrated and annoyed, because of their lack of obedience or frankly, the fact that they really don't care if they've left something on the floor for Buggy to get ahold of or for using EVERY SINGLE Dora band-aid in the cabinet, so I have realized that the Lord has gently been guiding me into learning the "art of instruction".

One day I heard a devotional on the radio.  The sweet sounding lady, on the other end of the air waves, was remembering a time when her children weren't being perfect angels and that she had also been reminded that she is to instruct- guide- discipline her children.

"....Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry."

I also need to be reminded daily that I am not just spanking them, putting them in the corner, scolding them, because they did something wrong, but because I am to instruct them in how to act, behave and treat one another.  They need instruction- discipline- guidance.  That is what they are here for.  Hubbie and I have a job to raise them, to teach them....

"For whom the Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects a son in whom he delights."

This parenting thing is not for the faint at heart.  Its tough.  Parenting is so much more than creating children that are submissive when they know they should.  Parenting right now, especially in these early years, is a constant struggle of wills so that one day, these precious creatures, will be productive citizens, loving husbands, devoted fathers and above all else, men after God's heart.

"These commandments I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  "

We have been teaching Bubbie obedience for what feels like FOREVER, but not just any obedience but NOW obedience, quickly without argument or drama.  So, one morning, as I sent my oldest son to the corner for the 2nd time already that morning, I began to get angry that he just wasn't LISTENING AND OBEYING, but a gentle voice reminded me that this is ALL that I have been called to do right this moment- to love and serve my husband and to instruct and love my children.  That verse (above) is a precious reminder that I don't have to get angry or flustered.... Thats my own sin- to let anger boil.

I do get caught up in what everyone else is doing... so-and-so volunteers here, so-and-so works with this organization, or takes meals to them or helps care for those people...and I get down on myself, because if I'm not doing "those" things, then what do I do?  Is just caring for my children not enough?  Perhaps that means that I'm not as productive or as "giving" as those other women or as valuable, but I have been reminded A LOT, by loved ones, that that isn't my job right now.  Sure, I can serve and volunteer or whatever put in front of me, but my main job and focus should be on the raising of my children.  And I should take joy in the fact that I have the ability and responsibility to do so.  Free time and extracurricular activities for myself will come, at the right time, but right now, I am going to start learning how to say "NO" more often and keep my family a higher priority.