Obedience

I have been a little busy. You know, with the ridiculous school assignments. But I am getting used to it and am resigned to spending all of at least 2-3 days a week reading/writing/thinking. I would tell you about what I have been studying, but I'm bored just thinking about it and I don't want you to fall asleep at your computer.

We have almost survived the swim team season! There is one meet left- the Regional meet in Minneapolis. I only want to go because we might get to stop at Ikea. Alyssa is the only one of the girls swimming and she is dreading it. There has been so much whining and complaining about swimming lately, I have resorted to major bribes and pleading and occasional empty threats. Questionable parenting? Yep.

Alyssa and Todd at the state meet in Ft. Dodge

I read an article in our school newsletter recently about obedience- how kids should just obey without complaining, arguing, asking questions, etc. My kids are not obedient. I ask them to do something and even if they don't complain (which they usually do), they at least sigh or act annoyed that they have to do whatever it is. And they do this with other adults too- not as much- but I have seen it happen. Now that I notice it, it is really irritating me. I have seen them complain to their swim coaches, talk back to teachers, and whine at grandparents. Grrr. What am I doing wrong? I think I must not be mean enough.

So, after an internet search for "how to have obedient children" I learned 2 things.

1. There is an argument out there that obedient children= having your children taken advantage of by pedophiles, drug dealers, and generally horrible people and it is best to let your kids feel like they are the center of the universe and make all their own decisions, yet somehow remain "cooperative"
See this website http://www.ahaparenting.com/_blog/Parenting_Blog/post/Do_You_Want_to_Raise_an_Obedient_Child/

2. John Rosemond offers the best advice, still. And that is that obedient kids are the happiest. The problem that I have (and maybe some of you have) is that we have unknowingly created a world that revolves around our children. For instructions on how to change the bad behavior, read this: http://lacrossetribune.com/lifestyles/relationships-and-special-occasions/john-rosemond-obedient-kids-are-the-happiest-kids/article_43221b38-602b-11e2-97a2-001a4bcf887a.html

I don't think my kids are that bad, but I don't want them to be miserable adults. I will let you know if I make any huge parenting strides. If you are a coach/teacher/grandparent/adult around my kids, don't be afraid to make them obey you.

On a lighter note, here is a picture of my dog wearing socks.