Last week Kasey participated in our Third Thursday Blog Hop. She told a story of when her son decided to create his own “sprinkler system” on a public playground. (You can read her story here.)
When I read her story last week, there was one beautiful statement that another mom said to her when she discovered her son’s creative “sprinkler system.” This mom said to Kasey, “I know you’re going to handle this, but don’t let your embarrassment decide his punishment.”
Those are words of wisdom for all of us. We could also add, “don’t let your anger decide his punishment,” as well.
When we’re in the middle of parenting, our kids do anger us. They do embarrass us. However, we have to learn to keep our emotions in check when dealing out consequences.
For myself, I find it best to step away from a situation if at all possible before determining what consequences are appropriate. If you’re dealing with a little one, you may need to respond more swiftly, without the benefit of stepping away. In that case, just keeping this wisdom at the forefront of your mind is so very important.
So let’s learn from each other. How do you keep your emotions from determining your child’s consequences?
Being the mom of teenagers now, I am trying to change my strategy on this. I try to step back and look at the Big Picture. Many times, the natural consequences that come with my teens making the wrong choices are better than any anger or consequences that I can hand out. It’s hard not to get angry at first when you find out about a poor choice. But when I handle it correctly and disuss rather than preach; and let natural consequences take their toll, I find that the results are much more long term and effective. I definitely can’t say that I’m very good at this all the time. But I’m working on it daily!
Karen,
I’ve learned this too. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Jill!
Thank you so much for taking time to read that post and then expound on it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought back to that day and been so thankful that another mom was wise (and brave) enough to tell me what I needed to hear. I think my son should thank her too :o) Thanks for all you do through Hearts at Home – you guys are wonderful!
I thought it was a great story, Kasey!