You would think after three kids, I would have taken a parenting class by now... but no. Lately, I've felt like our parenting methods haven't been that effective (or it could just be that we have 2-year-old and 4-year-old boys), so I thought it would be nice to get some pointers on raising kids with less yelling and frustration. I signed up for an 8-week class I saw in the church bulletin called "Practicing Positive Parenting."
Naturally, getting three small kids fed, bathed, clothed and in the car to get to said class was stressful... especially since I needed to leave at 6:15 (and all day I was thinking 6:45). Said stress fueled frustration, and well... you get the picture.
About 30 minutes into the class, I felt like crawling under the table. The lesson was about affirmation and encouraging your child's good behavior with praise. I get so stressed out and let the exhaustion of three small children get to me. I feel like all I do is discipline (especially the boys). Maybe I need to throw in some more encouragement. I need to stop and take the time to give each child a little more individual attention. Maybe that's why Riley (my middle child, age 2) is constantly getting into trouble or causing it.
More thoughts later. I'm tired. Will share more of the homework later (once I do it).
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