Don’t Pee On The Dog!

Judson and Courson the morning after a great duck hunt!

Things you never thought you’d have to say…

As a mom, especially once the boys came along, I have found myself more often than not cracking up about the stuff I find myself having to say or explain.

“No, Ransom, don’t pee on the dog!” As he drops his little drawers outside one day to relieve himself. I guess the moving target looked like fun to aim at….

“Don’t put your feet inside the mixing bowl!” As one son thinks it seems brilliant to put his dirty toes inside the bowl of muffin mix…

“Wash your hands with salt and pepper!” I meant to say soap and water, but obviously I was hungry looking at the lunch table as I gave those instructions.

“Move your potatoes and eat your elbows!” Again, too tired to think straight, I was trying to eradicate elbows on the table and meant to say, “Move your elbows and eat your potatoes!”

We all have a good laugh at the funny mishaps with speech around the house (which are plenty), but one thing we never take lightly are words meant to hurt or discourage. We speak the truth in love, confronting with kindness any challenges the siblings are having with one another, being open and honest but never mean. Most precious is to watch the wee ones come humbly and say, “Momma, I’m having a pwobwem with Shephewd,” and then state his dilemma. It’s a work in progress and especially as the older children sometimes confront one another with character issues, it can get…interesting. But this vital communication skill is something I think will serve them all well in any employment or service opportunity, and especially in their marriages.

Another tidbit… we usually place constructive criticism inside of a compliment or improvement we noticed in their character. Also, when a child comes to us with a challenge they are having with a sibling, they must state their issue and then GO GET the sibling and confront them with humility, not anger. This avoids any gossipy tattling.

So if you find yourself as a parent saying crazy things you never thought you would have to say or explain…remember, that’s not nearly as vital as saying what NEEDS TO BE SAID in love and humility. Sometimes being a parent means confronting, with love, a character trait in your child that may even be painful to breech…but that’s not excuse enough to delay a needed conversation. I suggest, as much a possible, to try to have these conversations in times of non-conflict…but don’t avoid them. Face them, wrapped in love, grace, and affection. End them with a good laugh and a solid hug, even if it means your poking fun at yourself!