Adventures in Time Out

We've adapted our discipline strategy a few times as we learn what is best for our family, what is best for Benjamin specifically, what good parenting books, classes or friends have shared with us and tied all together with what we have studied in the Bible. And of course, it changes as the offenses change. Needless to say, one tactic we use is time out. More in the sense that he is removed from the situation or item that he was being disobedient with and then has to talk through with Mommy and Daddy why it was wrong, what the consequences are and how he should behave when in the same situation in the future.

I think I liked it more when he was just getting in trouble for toddler type infractions like not listening to mommy, not obeying right away, touching something he shouldn't... and so on and so forth. It was definately easier. But now we're into the heavy stuff... showing God's love and kindness even to bullies, why it's wrong to steal, how to control our anger when there has been an injustice (a biggie for both of us :)), what a lie is... and lots of other doozies. I'm so blessed to have the time to be with him as a stay at home mommy right now because I either see him in action or learn about most of his thoughts and struggles on such issues in little bits and pieces he shares with me in conversations throughout the day. And even though I cringe at the discovery of each new struggle with these sins and temptations, I am so thankful for the opportunity to work through them with him and so thankful that he even wants to talk through them with me in the first place. Gotta keep that going no matter what!

As he leaves toddlerhood far behind and navigates his way through young childhood timeouts are taking on new definition in which he really thinks through his actions. He's still not always happy about being corrected or facing the consequences of bad choices... but in the end we always share a special time of recommitment, forgiveness and lots and lots of hugs and tickles!

I don't want to be here.

Working through it...

So glad that lesson is learned and we can reconcile....

Which to me means hugs and love and tickles, oh my!