I have been working for the past few weeks with training my son to obey like he should. It's been a work in progress. He's 17 months old, and he is quite stubborn, and I had been looking for ways to discipline a young toddler. I started this search a little bit before he turned one, because I wanted to prepare myself for training him properly.
I must admit that I had not been consistent in my training with him. My husband thinks I'm too soft with him, and maybe I am. . . or was. I am changing now. What prompted this was going to church. Although it has improved a bit with time, my son continues to be quite disruptive in church. I could kind of understand it as a baby, but now as a toddler, there is no reason for him to keep acting up. Simply spanking him didn't solve the problem. Consequences have to be consistent in order to have any lasting effect.
I fell guilty to thinking that some of his stubborness was cute, instead of nipping things in the bud at the first sign of rebelliousness. Two great resources for training children is Raising Godly Tomatoes and Teaching Your Children To Obey by Kelly Crawford from Generation Cedar. Both resources have provided good, detailed instruction on how to teach children to obey you.
The earlier the training, the easier your job is as parents. Last week I became really serious about training my son to sit still and be quiet, to practice for church. And, it's great to teach him to obey me when I tell him to stay seated and be quiet. Oh, the rebellion and tears that came out! But, as the training has progressed, he has gotten better at obeying me the first time. And, he seems to take greater delight in pleasing me and waiting for me to tell him what a good job he does when he obeys me the first time. He is quite proud of himself!
I was also inspired by this post by Terry at Breathing Grace. Her points were right on, and encouraged me greatly, because I was reminded how important it is to be home TRAINING our children. And, when we do our jobs, we will reap the fruit thereof.
3 comments:
Dear S. Belle,
Keep up the good work as a momma!
I wanted to tell you about a
Titus 2 Blog Party that's going on over at She Looketh Well site.
It's a great way to visit with other Christian Bloggers.
If you click on the button on my site, it will take you there and tell you about this activity.
God Bless,
Deanna
I'm in the thick of the same thing! I LOVE the Raising Godly Tomatoes site and have found it to be such a blessing.
I'm also hoping to read "What the Bible Says About Child Training" by Richard Fugate. This book has been recommended quite a bit by some moms I know who have well-behaved children.
You linked to me? I'm honored. Thank you.
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