Daily Cleaning for Busy Moms

Tip for the Day: I was given Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp. It was from my sister-in-law as a shower gift for my first child.  She had three children herself and highly recommended it. Unfortunately, it took me four years to finally read it.  It was when my oldest boy was two and we needed help. My husband likes to call this book the “Spanking Book,” but that is just his sense of humor. Yes, the book’s discipline of choice for young children is spanking… not time out, not rewards (he gives reasons). The author’s logic made sense and we followed his advise and our son is a much better and actually, more happy child than before. When we tell him to do something like “Stop” when he’s running toward the street, he immediately stops and turns around. I see so many children basically ignore their parents, which is not good in general, but especially not in dangerous circumstances. Ignoring us is what our son was starting to do. We also implemented some of the techniques with our four year old at the time. Responses like “in a second” when being requested to do something was unacceptable. An appropriate response would be either an immediate “Yes” or ”Mom, can I finish this one game on the computer first?” Then I would give the answer, saying yes as much as possible.  She then would have to accept the no response with no further complaints or requests. She knows that I take her requests seriously and I consider her feelings.  If I do have to say no, I usually say something like, “No Honey, not this time. We’re late for the doctor’s and we don’t have time for that.” No, I don’t have to give a reason, but why not? I don’t let her argue and besides, she knows I usually say yes and just don’t say no for the sake of saying no. The whole book focuses on shaping the heart to be obedient.  First to parents, and therefore to God for life. The “bad” behaviors are only an indicator of the heart. Think about it, those with an actual obedient heart are the ones who don’t turn away from the church and the truth.  I didn’t do the book justice, so check it out! Any experience you care to share?