Work It Out

I've found myself in an interesting place, lately -- parenting-wise.

Instead of interceding in most little squabbles between my children, I seem to be uttering the words, "Work it out."

As in, "You two. Figure this out. On your own."

This is such a change. I'm definitely a 'hands on' kind of mama. I'm a firm believer in staying closely involved in your children's lives. I think a lot of problems in our culture could be remedied if more parents would walk more closely with their children throughout their childhood and adolescence, instead of treating them as an accessory to their own lives and expecting care givers and teachers to do the job for them.

Wow, look at me all up on my soap box! I guess I have some strong feelings on the subject.

I'm also a strong believer, however, in living your own life the way you feel God is leading you to, and not worrying about what everyone else is doing. Be aware of what others are doing? Yes. Pray for them? Yes. Even step in when the Holy Spirit leads you to do so? Yes. But worry about it? No.

Anyhow, it's a little odd for me to be telling my two little ones to work things out on their own, without having me make the judgement call. However, now that they're getting a little older (3 and 4), I keep sensing that they are going to need to have some way of dealing with the world, without me always being there to straighten things out for them.

Because there will be heartaches.

And unfairness.

And struggles.

We all know this is the way of it.

So we're starting small. Right now it's issues like 'not sharing' and 'not talking nice' and... Well, those are the two big ones for my kids. Don't get me wrong, I'll be there to step in anytime my kiddos need me to. But you know what? They're kind of figuring out how to 'work it out' for themselves already!

I guess if you want them to run, you have to loosen the reins.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 

Comments

[Tauna]

Beautiful.
Yes, you are beautiful and wise my friend.

[-A]

This is called, "learning social skills" and "independent problem solving" in the education world.

Right on!