A New Approach, or An Old One Revisited
I’m trying a new approach to discipline. We’ve fallen back on much of the authoritative parenting over the last months, not really severely (the worst punishments include sitting on one’s bed or having privileges removed). However, it is obvious for DS, for example, that the only thing he’s thinking about during these punishments is how to get out of them. Not much learned. However, I simply cannot get a handle on the “never say no, no discipline, no rewards” program either.
There is a book I’m ordering soon by Judy Arnall called Discipline Without Distress: 135 tools for raising caring, responsible children without time-out, spanking, punishment or bribery. This really appeals to me.
I’ve been reading some of Arnall’s free articles on her web site, and it seems the perfect middle for me. It talks about natural consequences, which I’ve read about before but always fallen back on the easy way out–”Go sit on your bed!” However, I think it’s time to get creative. I haven’t felt as close to DS recently, and I think part of it is that he feels “overdisciplined.” I am hoping, as it promises, that this approach will give him the control over his behavior that he desires and the peace of mind that I desire. Arnall makes the point that we are raising adults, not children. I want to give my children the tools they need to become productive, responsible, happy adults, and I need practical tips. Wish me luck!
On the day-to-day notes, we’ve been getting out more as the weather’s been getting better. Lily really loves to be out with friends and hates to come home afterward! Last week, we went to the roller skating rink, the park, a friend’s farm, and our homeschool co-op in addition to grocery shopping (fun-fun!). We already went to the park today, which was fun, even though it was only 50 degrees. The splendid sunshine made up for it.
The kids are changing as always, with Ginny getting her first tooth and itching to crawl. A.J. lost a tooth last week and has a very generous tooth-fairy (DH), who gave him $5! Good thing they only have so many to lose! 
Here are some pictures just for fun.
Lily and Ginny in matching outfits from Grandma R.
Who knew grass could be so interesting?
A.J. repeating at home the egg-drop experiment he did
at Funschool on Friday.
