This one will be short, but important. One key thing that I have noticed about mine and Christina’s parenting style is that we almost never let things slide. What I mean is that very rarely do our kiddos do something they shouldn’t that we don’t offer some type of correction.
Now for some things it may be as simple as “Be careful, you are getting really rowdy. Don’t go too far.” No big deal.
Other things we treat as a much bigger deal because some issues, many that may even seem small to most, really stem from heart issues that will grow exponentially over the years if not checked.
Take for example a child whining “So and so is using that and I want it and it is not fair.” That is easy to just let slide,”Well I am sorry, go play.” However I really believe it is critical to take each and every one of these moments to continually refine and steer the child’s heart in the right direction.
The nice thing about this principle is that it applies to each and every season of childhood. Little nuggets need this just as much as teenagers. A small one needs to see consistent reaction every time they test and do something they know they shouldn’t during early training. A teenager, say one who knows at this point not to talk back disrespectfully, must not be allowed to make a face or storm out of the room without at least communication that that type of behavior is unacceptable.
This all starts with a unwavering focus on being there and being present and at your best when you are there. This consistency starts with both parents showing up and giving this their all. New negative behaviors will pop-up like weeds, but they will be easy to spot and deal with quickly in an otherwise beautiful garden that has been carefully cultivated. This type of small, iterative, ongoing parenting is what leads to kiddos with hearts that are genuinely kind and loving… and it is so incredibly worth it.