Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Could It Be?!



..that we are actually doing something right? As a parent it's hard to know if you're getting through to your kids. I don't think you really know until they are old enough to go to someone's house and the host(ess) compliments them on their good manners; or maybe even when they get married and you see how they treat their spouse and raise their own children? Parenting is a tough job that has delayed gratification most of the time. Today, however, I got a glimpse that maybe CJ and I are on the right track from both of our older boys. Jonah kicked us off.
Cole and Jonah were fighting over race cars this morning. After giving them ample opportunity to work it our on their own, without saying a word, I took all the cars away from them and set them on the counter. About 5 minutes later, without any prompting, Jonah came to me in the kitchen and said, "Sorry, Mommy, for fighting." and turned around and walked back into the living room. Of course, my heart , melted and I let him choose one of the 3 race cars with which to play.

As for Cole: The rule at the YMCA is "No sucker if you get a time out." We eat very little candy at home, so my boys most definitely look forward to their Y suckers. As we were leaving the childcare, Jonah dug his hand into the sucker bucket to choose the perfect flavor. Cole took a bit longer to stick his hand in, but he too chose his favorite. As I was buckling Cole into his car seat and he was finishing up his cotton candy flavored dum-dum, he looked at me and said, "Mama, I got a time out today." I asked him why and he explained he threw a train because he had an angry heart. I reminded him that we don't get suckers if we get a time-out and although I was very proud of him for telling me, he was wrong to get a sucker. "Therefore, tomorrow, no sucker." "Yes, Mama." was his simple reply. My heart swelled that my child had taken initiative to confess his wrong doing.


Keep us steady, O Lord, even when we don't see the fruits of our labor right away. And, thank you for the times you allow us a glimpse!

Note: Let it be known I did find it funny Cole confessed after eating his sucker! ;)

4 comments:

Buffie said...

Oh girl, I am so happy for you. My heart melted as yours did when I read your blog. Those moments are few and far between at our house but I am so happy for you!! You ARE a WONDERFUL parent by the way...your boys are going to be fine!!!

The LaBouffs said...

Aww..they are good kids and you are a GREAT moma! Parenting is hard...the hardest thing I've ever done...but also the most rewarding! Keep up the good work ;)

LeslieW. said...

Of course after the sucker! Fun story, they grow up so fast.

Dena said...

hahahahah- NOW that's a jeffcoat for ya - you gots to eat the sucker first!!! I think he was hoping you wouldn't remember tomorry!!! What sweeties - they take after their MOMMY!!!!!