Parenting 101: Lead by Example

Rules, rules, rules! "I just don't like following the rules!" This is what I have been told by one of my kids. We talk and explain things so much to our kids regarding the same things. Over and over again it seems. You can give examples while discussing, but are they getting it? I don't think so! I feel they need to see what we are talking about, and today an opportunity was given.

Have you ever had a similar conversation while parenting? Parent: "You know you are not suppose to do that, why did you?" Kid: "I don't like following the rules. I want to do what I want." Parent: "We have rules in place for reasons and you are going to need to obey rules all your life."

Living Life and Obeying Rules

My Morning Opportunity

This morning I wake up all the littles (our 4 adopted kids) to get ready for school. My mindset is good, despite what we have been going through with the kids. Everything was flowing smoothly! I had some good time reading my bible while the kids were eating and getting dressed. I am thinking, maybe the talks are starting to do some good.

It is time to get everyone loaded up into the car, while they are getting their stuff and heading to the garage, I am quick grabbing that much needed 2nd cup of coffee to go. On the ride to school we had some great songs come on, the kids were relaxed looking at books, chatting, it was nice.

Practicing Patience

Traffic is worse than it normally is and I am in back of someone who wasn't paying attention to when the traffic started to move. But all is well! Patience level is good!

I get the first kid dropped off at the first school with a minute to spare. Success! I can relax and breathe easier since I have 20 minutes to get to the second school to drop off the other three.

Waiting...

We arrive at the next school, all went well, we didn't have to wait for a train, so we have about ten minutes to wait. I park in our usual spot and we wait for about eight minutes. Then I hear, "Mom." I say, "Yes." and my child number four asks, " Can I put my skirt on because I don't want everyone to see my underneath." I ask her, "What do you have on?" She says, "My tights." I ask, "Is your skirt in your backpack?" And, of course she says "No." I ask, "Why didn't you put your skirt on?" She tells me, " I didn't want you to be mad." I then take a deep breath, start to drive back home quickly, (but legally). I march her in the house, up the stairs to get her changed and noticed she had her underwear on, then a pair of shorts and her tights....No Skirt.

Lesson of My Story

I'm sharing this with you because the me a while back would have gotten mad and would have yelled. (I'm not proud admitting this.) But, now I'm able to use it as an example to the kids that I have guidelines (rules) to follow too. Even at my age! I needed to follow the school's rules on dress code and conduct. As much as I wanted to to let a natural consequence take place, I needed to obey and respect the rules even though I didn't want to, nor did I feel like it because it made a lot more driving back and forth.

God Changing Me

This was another opportunity for God to work in me and test me. I am so thankful the Holy Spirit is working in me and changing me! This experience was a way to lead by example. I was able to point out to the kids, that even though I didn't want to follow a rule, I was obedient and thought of others instead of myself. And, that is what our Lord and Savior requires.