A Good Plan for You
First Day of Pre-School! I never understood why moms cry at graduations, weddings, first days of school.... I get it. I'm in the club. Motherhood is nutso. My child is my heart outside of me, walking around. Open to the world. And he's growing up - becoming more and more of his own self. Independence. Eek! (Isn't he awesome! He practically ran into school, gave me a quick kiss and off he went to play at a place he had NEVER been to! But I LOVE his Co-op Preschool. Mrs. K came to our house for a "house visit" last week and read him a book and got to know him. She does this with all of her new students!)
We have also, in the past few days, had some battles. Robby doesn't want to do something I ask of him immediately; he dawdles, he keeps playing, he tells me "just a minute" or he even runs in the opposite direction when I ask him to stop in his tracks. I'm sure I am the ONLY mom on this one. (wink)
Living on Main Street does not afford us a second chance when it comes to listening and obeying immediately. Cars don't wait.
So I have, in turn, given him some quick and immediate consequences and discipline. And, he is in the curious and fantastic stage of asking "Why, Momma?" when I ask him to start to clean up his toys, or come to dinner, or to do anything, really.
Typically we hear: Because I said so, that's why.
My new response: Because I have a good plan for you, Robby.
This has been my version of: "Because I said so, dude." I want him to listen and obey because I asked him to - but you can read his unsatisfied look. So I want him to know that what I am asking him to do is for his good, for our family's good, for a greater good of his maturity and growth. I have a good plan for him.
It is how I think God, in a way, does "parenting".... and it helps Robby know continuously that I am on his side.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 (God told this to the Israelites, His people. I also cling to this heart of God)