Lessons in Obedience

Shallah is almost 10 months old, and she just got her first tooth today. It's barely visible, but it's there! She is a quick learner.  I am always amazed at what my children are able to understand at an early age. Parents do NOT give their children enough credit.  Since Shallah was about 6 months old and crawling she eyed the dog bowls.  She only had to have her hand pulled away a couple of times and told "NO" before she realized I wasn't playing.  It's not even a thought for her anymore; she leaves it alone. In fact, I realized, today, I don't even think about the fact that she could still play with it. She learned, and she doesn't play with them.  Teaching at a young age is SO much easier than letting them THINK they are in charge. It's much harder to train a two year old.  Shallah crys the minute she hears someone say no to her. 

Today was a perfect example of how much children understand.  I didn't have a place to put Shallah down for a nap, so I spread the blanket on the living room floor. Yes, I know we are walking around and doing school, BUT she needed a nap.  I spread the blanket out, and I laid her on it.  She fussed, and I pat her back. She was no where near asleep, but she understood when I said she had to stay there.  She got up on her knees to sit up, and I told her, "No!"  I didn't spank her, and I didn't yell. She whined, and then lay back down.  She did this about three times, and whined each time. After about 10 minutes she fell fast asleep. 

Guess who's boss? not them

I am not mean, but I do expect my children to learn early. And with the older ones, I have to work on my sarcasm. Usually it goes like this, "Seriously, you MUST have thought I was joking when I told you to be quiet, because you definitely would NOT be talking if you thought I was serious!"  Well, I am not perfect, but I am working on being more patient, consistent, and compassionate.  I can assure you that it may take some time.   

There are many little methods and tools to help us to train our children for the Lord! Let me emphasize that these must be used consistently, firmly, and lovingly in order to be effective! We have found a few methods to be a tremendous help during the past few years. God intends for our children to be a blessing and a joy to us parents, but it is our responsibility to teach and train them in the ways of the Lord. Thank God that He gives us the resources, and His grace, in order to accomplish this!

A child taught instant obedience at an early age is much more content.