Yea and Amen!

Just some food for thought:

As parents, there is a lot of pressure (from ourselves mostly) to make sure that we follow-through with our discipline. When we say no, it means no. When we lay out the rules of the game then we are also going to make the heck sure the rules are followed; and if not the necessary action is taken. This is because kids need boundaries and they need to understand the repercussions of their choices. Consistency and follow through are essential to toddler living.

Yes. I get this.

But here's a challenge: What if we took the focus off that game for awhile. What if we tried playing a different game. The one that's called something like "every time we say "yes, later, I'll help you in a minute, we can do that after your nap, maybe another day" we actually follow-through and do it!

What would happen to our children if we focused our follow-through energies on the promises?

Chances are it would be easier for them to trust us. Chances are they would quit pushing the envelope so much. Chances are the outbursts would become less and they may even become more-- dare I say it-- reasonable! Chances are we would all have a lot more fun together.

Chances are they would learn that their parents are trustworthy and then therefore, so is God.

Whattya think? Up for it?

1 Corinthians 1:20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.