Terror Child = Terror Mama

Ok, he's not a terror. But I sometimes am! :) I cannot get Jake to obey. I mean it. I can't do it. I don't know what to do, and although I am sure this is typical 3 year old behavior, I am sometimes so exasperated! 

I believe that any kind of violence, however small, is not the right way to discipline. It's not right for me. It would make me feel nothing like my Savior. Quite the contrary. 

So, I've been brewing over his disobedience and my reactions a bit. I decided to read a talk from the April General Conference (click here to read it) for my scripture study. As I was reading along, I felt very sure there was a reason I was reading this talk. I am sure Heavenly Father is trying to tell me something and I am so grateful. It is amazing that God and that Jesus Christ really do know me  and love me and care about what I  am doing to raise my children. 

Here is part of the talk (especially the last two paragraphs):

We are also to teach our children to honor their parents. The fifth commandment states, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”19

How can we best teach our children? The Lord has given us specific instruction:

“No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long‑suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

“By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

“Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy.”²⁰

When a child needs correction, you might ask yourself, “What can I say or do that would persuade him or her to choose a better way?” When giving necessary correction, do it quietly, privately, lovingly, and not publicly. If a rebuke is required, show an increase of love promptly so that seeds of resentment may not remain. To be persuasive, your love must be sincere and your teachings based on divine doctrine and correct principles.

Do not try to control your children. Instead, listen to them, help them to learn the gospel, inspire them, and lead them toward eternal life. You are God’s agents in the care of children He has entrusted to you. Let His divine influence remain in your hearts as you teach and persuade.

Yeah, that was for me. How often do I put my arms around Jake and just love him? How often to I persuade him with love and gentleness, with kindness? I tell him often how much I love him, but could I show him more?

I went to a Relief Society Devotional and one of the ladies said that we are all special to our Heavenly Father and Jesus, and even though it's hard to think of ourselves as someone special, it is true. I know that's true, but it was reconfirmed to me tonight. Out of all the billions of people who live and have lived on the earth, I am important to my Heavenly Father and his Son and they care how I raise my kids. Amazing. I am renewed. I can do it!!!

I'd love to hear your thoughts and/or suggestions on the matter...