Parenting is so hard.
I'm not sure if it's the fact that I haven't had a break in forever, or that I am really tired a lot, or if we are just in challenging phase, or maybe all three...
Reading and getting advice sometimes helps, or it sometimes makes things so much worse, mostly because the rules that apply to most kids do not apply to one of mine.
I am in the throws of potty training...except that my kid has actually had this all figured out for the past year. He knows every time before he goes, he hardly ever needs reminding, and he can stay dry forever. This is nothing to do with us, by the way. I used to think it was the training methods, but now I really think a lot of it has to do with each child.
For the past while, Josiah has been using 'potty accidents' as a way of being defiant or getting to us. This morning, because I would not play with him at the time he asked, and told him I would as soon as I finished what I was doing, he pooped all over my laundry piles in the hallway on purpose. When I asked, he said he was mad that I wouldn't play with him. I disciplined him, even though all of the potty resources would advice against it. I have never disciplined for an accident, but this has become a behaviour for whatever reason, and I don't feel that I can let it go.
So after these events, I have even tried backing off of potty training, but he insists on it when he has to go, so I don't really know if I should forbid him (maybe this is how it'll happen best!). It is an ongoing issue because he won't let it go even when I try. I would actually love for him to be in diapers right now. SO much easier than all of this.
I am struggling to meet his needs right now, because they are so huge. He is not the kind of child that responds well to quality time unless it is all day long with no interruptions, which obviously can't happen. All of the books and parenting resources don't know my child...I have tried all of their advice, along with others. I'm just feeling tired today. Tired of nothing working, and of the same old battles that never seem to go away. I know it is the mission of a strong-willed child to win. And I think this is the first day that he has really ever won, and I feel done.
Somehow, this needs to change.
God has been reminding me of this passage in James 1:2-5:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
I am thankful that when I am at the end of everything I know, and when I have tried every foolish idea known to man, that God invites me to come and ask him for wisdom. I so desperately need it! I wonder how God would have dealt with the poop in the laundry...I think I'll ask him sooner next time!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Josiah has been giving out words of comfort lately, mostly telling his little friends that GOd is always here with us when they are crying or upset.
Today in the car, Elwin was crying, and Josiah said, "God is always here with us...and God is very pleased with you Elwin."
Having these boys, watching them grow, and learn how to love and be loved is such a blessing!
Today in the car, Elwin was crying, and Josiah said, "God is always here with us...and God is very pleased with you Elwin."
Having these boys, watching them grow, and learn how to love and be loved is such a blessing!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Guess what my three-year-old is doing?
Swimming! And he is so proud of himself! This picture is of him after we got home from the pool tonight, and he was glowing:
He's been lifting off from the bottom for a couple of weeks now, but tonight actually swam many strides, and with his head underwater over and over again! I think his new goggles have given him more confidence. I love watching Josiah in the pool. He plunges in head first, and even jumps into the deep end. He is so fearless, and wants so badly to do everything that we do. This is actually him in most areas of life. I think it is rewarding because many times his strong-willed and determined temperament are difficult, but when he puts it to good use, he is an unstoppable little guy!
Elwin loves the water too! (And this is clearly not a picture of him swimming... but I love him in this cute little outfit right now, and his toothless grin melts my heart!)
Swimming! And he is so proud of himself! This picture is of him after we got home from the pool tonight, and he was glowing:
He's been lifting off from the bottom for a couple of weeks now, but tonight actually swam many strides, and with his head underwater over and over again! I think his new goggles have given him more confidence. I love watching Josiah in the pool. He plunges in head first, and even jumps into the deep end. He is so fearless, and wants so badly to do everything that we do. This is actually him in most areas of life. I think it is rewarding because many times his strong-willed and determined temperament are difficult, but when he puts it to good use, he is an unstoppable little guy!
Elwin loves the water too! (And this is clearly not a picture of him swimming... but I love him in this cute little outfit right now, and his toothless grin melts my heart!)
Saturday, October 8, 2011
In the car today, Josiah told me that there is going to be another baby in my belly.
I assured him that there is not, and that Elwin was probably the last baby in our family, and he replied, "No, there's going to be one more baby in your belly."
At this point I started thinking that maybe he was a little prophetic, until he said," And it's going to be a purple one!!"
I assured him that there is not, and that Elwin was probably the last baby in our family, and he replied, "No, there's going to be one more baby in your belly."
At this point I started thinking that maybe he was a little prophetic, until he said," And it's going to be a purple one!!"
Monday, October 3, 2011
Today, I am thankful for...
...boys sleeping at the same time in the backseat of my car, which led to an unexpected coffee break in the driveway for me!
...chubby cheeks that smile when kissed.
...a house that was way too crowded for Josiah's birthday. It reminded me of how blessed we are to be surrounded by too many wonderful people who love us and our kids.
...a washer and dryer that never seem to have a break!
...the opportunity to meet some needs around us.
...being organized (and a father-in-law who is always willing to fix and assemble...and a cousin who builds beautiful things for my home!).
...rain, which has forced me to clean and sort inside.
...my husband, who helps and supports me in so many ways.
...the chance to exercise and swim lots, and that I can do all of these things again.
...good friends who give, love, listen, and support at all the right times.
...Josiah's care and concern for others. It touches my heart and makes me feel like there is hope beyond the demands and tantrums of toddlerhood.
...my mom, who gives endlessly and selflessly to my family.
...prayer. It is the only thing that brings comfort when I feel helpless and heartbroken for loved ones who are struggling.
...the grace of God that I need so desperately each and every day!
...boys sleeping at the same time in the backseat of my car, which led to an unexpected coffee break in the driveway for me!
...chubby cheeks that smile when kissed.
...a house that was way too crowded for Josiah's birthday. It reminded me of how blessed we are to be surrounded by too many wonderful people who love us and our kids.
...a washer and dryer that never seem to have a break!
...the opportunity to meet some needs around us.
...being organized (and a father-in-law who is always willing to fix and assemble...and a cousin who builds beautiful things for my home!).
...rain, which has forced me to clean and sort inside.
...my husband, who helps and supports me in so many ways.
...the chance to exercise and swim lots, and that I can do all of these things again.
...good friends who give, love, listen, and support at all the right times.
...Josiah's care and concern for others. It touches my heart and makes me feel like there is hope beyond the demands and tantrums of toddlerhood.
...my mom, who gives endlessly and selflessly to my family.
...prayer. It is the only thing that brings comfort when I feel helpless and heartbroken for loved ones who are struggling.
...the grace of God that I need so desperately each and every day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
