Lioness


So, this is what my husband is telling my children I am. "Did you just hear the lioness roar?" he asks them. Course, this mind you when all 4 of them are supposed to be accomplishing their chores prior to Halloween weekend full of candy and fun. As much as I make light of having four kids under the fire of onlookers judging comments I have to be willing to admit the obvious that it is a challenge from time to time. There are fleeting moments when they all move in unison making for heaven on earth. But those are few and far between. Their aging leads to more independence and less control making simple tasks like getting in the car become a 15 minutes event.
How odd it is that I wished for the day when they could open the door, climb in and buckle on their own. I have it, well x3 anyway and whew I miss the days when I could lift them and put them where I wanted with minimal effort.
I love that Mike and I have figured out a "teasing" way to poke at each other usually turning a tense moment into knowing understand of correction. In this particular case I think he really wanted to poke for poking sake, which is his style of loving. Besides my chivalrous sons (#3) loves lions (which he still calls tigers) and relating to him with his fav animal is fun too.
In the last couple years I have set out to yell less, expect more and go about it differently. I grew up in a household filled with yelling and not enough listening where the stronger personality parent was concerned. I refuse to be that person myself.
The next question in light of my husband's non stop lioness roaring remarks is...does raising your voice constitute yelling? I guess your tone matters, whispering only works if they actually are aware you are talking. I suppose my next "plan" will be set in motion. I haven't figured it out quite yet. I envision a "system" of points, consequences and rewards for SPECIFIC behaviors, attitudes and actions. I know most people would agree that I have pretty darn good kids but I want more. I refuse to drop my expectations, instead they will rise to the occasion and assuredly become the best people they can. Sounds awesome right? Well, we shall see. I am thinking I will pray, consult my other half and continue my diligence where they are all concerned.
Wish me luck, or rather pray for me to be lead. If I am gonna be a lioness then I chose this one instead:)

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