Oh Be Careful Little Mouth….

I think the Lord is trying to remind me this week of the impact that my speech has on my children. At times I would swear that they don't listen to a word I say, then when I least expect it something I have said returns to me through the voice of one of my children. Several times I have overheard M scolding her baby. She is usually telling her to stay in the bed and not to get up. I also heard her tell her baby that she had to take a nap because she made a mess. Sometimes when we run out of ideas for discipline…we revert back to the old standby "Okay, are you ready to go take your nap?" I guess we have used that a little too often. Two days ago I overheard S trying to resolve a conflict between M and her cousin B. They are 5 months apart in age. She was telling them that they better work it out and share or they would have to go to separate rooms for time out. It was quite informative over hearing the "little mother". I guess she is listening more than I realize. Sometimes I don't realize how much I say something, until I hear my children repeat it. I guess I have gotten into the habit of using the phrase "I am not happy with you" or "this does not make me happy" when I am instructing my children. M has picked up the phrase, but has left out the "not" in the expression. So when things do not quite go her way, she replies with her most serious, stern expression. "I am happy with you!" It is so cute. I think I like her expression much better than mine. Although I know my kids need discipline and instruction, they also need praise and encouragement. It just never fails, it seems I discipline more than I praise, as evidence with my children repeating my words of instruction and discipline. Although it is used out of context, M's phrase is a good lesson. I need to make sure that along with my discipline and instruction I am being sure to praise and encourage. Sometimes I need to leave the "not" out of my phase and tell my children, just like M said "I am happy with you". Maybe I will differ a little from M and try to smile when I say it!