I’m getting slower and developing more patience the older I get. Not slower moving, though that seems to be creeping up, but rather slower to anger. My mind sees more, understands more and when I talk with my children, I find myself a councilman more than laying down ‘The Law’.
Kids (the non-goat type) get to a certain age where no matter what you tell them, there’s a break in the wiring between their ears and brains. It somehow reconnects itself as they mature, but for a few years you’re left with a virtual rebellious/semi-retardation stage.
Well, I found a neat little system that seems to work on bringing a child’s attention to their monstrous behavior. It’s called calm accountability. Here’s how it works.
Your kids argue. Calmly, quietly, ask them to stop arguing. At least in my house, the arguing will come to a climax and most kids will seek for favoritism of a parent to back their position of bad behavior. This is when you simply ask them questions. Have them enact/repeat what they have done and then ask one, simple question:
How does acting that way make sense?
I found it forced their little rebellious minds to contemplate and blow out the lazy cobwebs between their ears and look at themselves in a light they don’t always like, but they have to admit.
Try it on your kids. It may not work perfectly…but it is fun to use as a parent.
**grin**
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