It sure as heck ain't the kids fault

The kids are growing up too fast. I mean it. Lorelai will be one in a matter of days and Logan will be four. I cannot believe how hard it is to remember Vanessa as a baby. It passes so quickly and I love every minute of it so its hard for me to understand how people say they can't wait for their kids to move out. I understand that kids bring a lot of noise and stress, but really? You just can't wait for them to go? I have met a lot of people who say things like that. They just want to run away or they want their kids to leave them alone. Yes, we all need a break sometimes, but do you need one everyday? I don't get it. Why have children at all if all you are going to do is complain about them. Kids do cramp your style and turn your whole life upside down, but it shouldn't come as a surprise.
People even go as far to tell me that I am crazy for having three kids. Just because you weren't cut out for it certainly doesn't make me crazy. I love picking out their clothes, teaching them new things, playing with them and watching them grow up. They say funny things and give you unlimited affection. The Bible says they are blessings and I believe they are.

I think they reason so many people don't see how wonderful children are is that there are parents who aren't committed to parenting. If your little blessing is a holy terror it is your own fault. I see parents make so many excuses for their kids when in reality its their own lack of parenting skills that has caused the problem. Moms and Dads are overwhelmingly lazy these days. You don't want to say no because you don't want to hear them scream. You don't demand good behavior and respect because that means you would have to get up from your chair when they ignore you. It is just a matter of consistency. You choose the rules for your house and discipline accordingly. Rolling your eyes and saying whatever when your child misbehaves is the equivalent to saying "you win, do what you want". They know when you are serious and they also know how often you will follow through. Chances are if you speak and your children don't respond or "hear you" then you have not expected that of them before. Funny how perfectly healthy kids don't seem to hear adults. So the next time you see a child running through a restaurant or screaming unchecked in a grocery store just remember that parent did that, not the child. You teach your kids how to act, not adjust your life to their whims. That was the way it was when I grew up....in the south. Attitudes are definitely different here. We need balance. You don't ignore every thing they do until you explode in anger.

My kids are not perfect. We don't live in a perfect world. They are going to break the rules, throw tantrums and misbehave from time to time. It all depends upon my reaction during those teachable moments. Will I ignore them or correct them? The Lord expects an account for how I raised these precious gifts he has lent to me. They are not mine they are his and my job is to teach them what God thinks is important. That is why I homeschool. They need the word of God in them more than ever. They need to learn right and wrong and math and English. If you hand off your kids to someone else to educate be sure of what they are being taught because parents are ultimately responsible for the instruction of kids both spiritually and academically. We have to up our game as parents. God requires it of us. So where are your kids right now?