Habit Training

There are days when I feel like all I am doing is habit training.  (aka discipline!).  Habits we are currently working on:

• Stay in bed until 7am
• Tidy up your toys, crafts, clothes etc.
• Look people in the eye when you are speaking to them or being spoken to
• Obey the first time
• Make things right when you have made things wrong (ask forgiveness, receive forgiveness and MOVE on!)
• Speak politely - say please, thank you, you're welcome, excuse me
• Use your words - tantrums, screaming and other "fits of rage" are not allowed
• Sit at the table and use proper utensils when eating
• "Yes Mommy", "Yes Daddy"

I know there are more but these ones stand out as the top priority at this stage.  It is a LOT of work.  But, I do believe (HOPE) that it will reap a rich reward of respectful, enjoyable and self-controlled children who grow into the same adults.  Children that I and others can enjoy.  Adults that can thrive.  I hope.

You know what the hardest part of habit training is?  Realizing that I need to develop most of these habits in myself!  Speak politely - I need to work on the words that come out of my mouth when I am frustrated!  Tidy up after yourself - yikes - don't look too hard at my kitchen or my pile of laundry!  However, the biggest habit I have learned and the one I have worked the hardest to instill in my children is to make things right when you have made things wrong.  I have apologized to my children more times then I can count - mostly for yelling.  Hopefully they will grow up knowing that there is grace.