If 5 year olds ruled the world...
There would be no baths, unless they could be taken in mud puddles. There would, however, be a lot of playing in sinks.
Protein and vegetables would be eliminated from the food pyramid (unless they were fried.) They would be replaced by ice cream, carbs and candy.
There would be a lot of questions asked--and answers to questions would be extremely creative and definitive.
People would always say exactly what they were thinking, unless they couldn't find the right words...then they would cry or throw something.
Fingernails and toenails would never be trimmed.
Each person would have their own private audience whose sole purpose in life would be to "Watch This!!!" and applaud loudly.
Lovies would be allowed to sit at the dinner table.
Clothing would never match.
There would be far less attention paid to safety--and a lot more tackling.
Life would be a lot more straightforward and silly.
There would be no naps or bedtimes. People would play until they dropped.
Giggles would likely prevail at first, but ultimately, it would turn to chaos.
I worry sometimes that I am 'nitpicking' my children too much. Sometimes I do. The truth is, however, that children need guidance. Adults need guidance. Rules and order can provide a rich framework for life. But I must be committed to avoiding rules for the sake of rules--or imposing guidelines that are self serving or based simply on my preferences. I want to model authority that is based in love. I want to parent the way God parents. I cannot do that without Him.
4 comments:
Wow. Only a few days into summer and it sounds like you have an advanced degree in five year olds! When mine were little, I always gave the first few weeks of summer over to "sibling re-entry" time. The kids were used to being with friends all day at school, and suddenly they were with siblings all day who were positioning for the same space and possessions! I know your summer will be a BLAST. Do your kids keep journals?
Wouldnt life be easier this way sometimes? I have been struggling with being nit picky, too. I am OCD when it comes to my house and constantly cleaning..not a good thing with 2 children home for the summer. I was thinking about it 2 nights along with how the kiddos just didnt listen that day..everything was repeated 2-3 times and even after understanding they just didnt do what was asked of them. How many times does He just quietly shake his head at us? Everyday over here, many times. Spare the rod, spoil the child comes into mind and even with all my imperfectness..I have been spared and am blessed. Then..in a laughable moment..I realized He must not be OCD :) I am working on it but am right there with you..couldnt imagine my 5-year-old x3! Whew!
It's so difficult to find balance in dicipline. This is something I have been struggling with recently too. We're really reevaluating some "rules" to figure out if they're really worth inforcing. As always, thanks for your honesty here. It's good to know I'm not alone in these decisions.
wow...this last paragraph? was fabulous. i constantly i'm nitpicking my kiddos as well (especially my 5yo). but i also feel like the Lord tugs on my heart that my children do need guidance. and direction. and discipline.
thank you for this. was perfect.
Post a Comment