Parenting Inspiration

The speakers at MOPS this morning were funny, entertaining, educational and inspiring. Jim and Lynne Jackson of Connected Families. They are basically parenting experts. I loved what they had to say, so I bought the CD version of their presentation so I could get inspiration and a chuckle at the push of a button! Tonight, on my way back from a meeting I was listening to the CD and I wanted to share with you the beautiful image that they painted.

A daughter knocks over her mother's favorite lamp. When the mother walks in the room, instead of her typical angry reaction she gets down on her knees and holds her daughter close. She whispers in her ear, "I loved that lamp, but I love you more."

I just love that! That is what parenting and discipline should be all about! Showing love, kindness, gentleness in the most angering situations. As Lynne says, asking yourself, "what is the opportunity here?" The Jacksons stated that children who feel loved, even in times of misbehavior, are overall less inclined to misbehave.

I can't wait to listen to the CD more and read some more books (and then share/journal it here). If you can't tell, I'm totally inspired to be the best mom ever as many days of the year as possible!! I have to be realistic that I'll still have my "bad mom days" but hopefully they'll just become fewer and further between.

On a different note...We got Emmett's hair trimmed today.

Before:

After:

And Eisley still loves putting things over her head and collecting diapers.