On Sunday, as you were entering the church building, Ben ran for the opened gymnasium doors. You knew as soon as he entered that big, empty basketball court, you would have a heck of a time getting him out of there. You said, "Ben!" in your best you-better-not-set-one-foot-in-that-gym-buster voice.
He heard you just before his feet hit the gym floor. He stopped, clinched his fists and growled his best oh-man-I-hate-it-when-Mom-does-that growl, leaned his little body (his feet never moving)into the gym...thinking, thinking, thinking. Then he turned around and followed you down the hall into the chapel - his fists clinched and his brow furrowed as he walked.
His decision to do what was right, even when he didn't want to, touched your heart. You have noticed lately that he usually makes the right choice, eventually. Yes, you sometimes have to put him in time-out and he must face consequences to his wrong choices but he is a good kid and he actually demonstrates integrity - doing what is right even when he doesn't want to, even when it is hard.
So, Lisa, please remember that despite the fact that often Ben's first reaction to your instructions is to roar his terrible roar, gnash his terrible teeth,roll his terrible eyes and show his terrible claws - he will most likely make the right decision in the end. Just give him a moment, don't push and have faith in his 3-year-old integrity.
Because, Lisa dear, I've heard it is better to deal with a 3-year-old Wild Thing than a 17-year-old Wild Thing. Lay down the law, stick to your guns and then love that wonderful little boy. He is going to amaze you one day.
P.S. Maybe you could use Ben's method to help you get out of bed in the early morning so you will exercise more regularly. Just roar your terrible roar and gnash your terrible teeth and then get out of bed and do what needs to be done - even if it is hard, even if you don't want to!
He sounds like a handful but seems to be a wonderful loving lil guy. He is so cute. Yes it is better to deal w/ a lil boy who gets a lil upset when you catch him in the wrong then it is to deal w/ a 17 yr old. A lil boy will eventually do what you want and a 17 yr most likely won't because its not as easy to persade them. they are more stubbern and no how to push buttons better. They are also sometimes in a rebellious stage so makes it even more harder. Ive never had kids but ive seen this several times in my life. Just remember patience is the key and i know you can do it. Ben has a great mom and he will become a great young man and he is a good lil boy
ReplyDeleteI just love you, Lisa. Truly, I do. You never fail to inspire me.
ReplyDeleteThat is truly astonishing that he listened and didn't enter the gym and was able to stop himself. I have some newphews on my husbands side that would have NEVER stopped by a parent simply "telling" them to. So I think that speaks volumes! Not only about Ben as a sweet spirit who strives to do what is right, but also about his tireless mother who also strives to do what is right and to teach her children and those around her what is right. That is truly a thing to marvel at! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, my little boy would not have listened to that and kept on going. Love your letter, and I have no doubts that he will amaze you and all of us one day. How's your husband's business going?
ReplyDeleteThat sounds just like my little Emma. I like the way you look at it, you are inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI thought I was reading about my Sarah! Let us stick to our guns!!!
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