We've always been trying to train the kids to obey the first time instead of having to count 1, 2, 3. However, it's easier said than done. Lately due to tiredness, laziness, and other reasons, we've been more loose in our discipline, resulting in kids who are slow to respond to our calls. What really raised the red flag was when Ethan's Sunday school teacher told us that he wasn't responding when he was called on 7-8 times. We knew at that point that things needed to change immediately.
Steve and I had a long talk about how and where we went wrong. Mainly we had been giving too many chances for the boys to come to us, and too many warnings before discipline occurs. Our action plan is to keep the boys on their toes, and expect them to obey the first time or discipline happens right away.
It's been a week now and things have been better. When they're called, they would say they're coming and respond quicker. I'm hoping this will come naturally and become a good habit.
Another thing that's been tough was school time. The boys were just used to learning against things and sitting in whatever position they wanted. I allowed them to be too comfortable and they had a hard time paying attention.
To change this, I asked them to sit on two plastic stools so they can sit up straight, with their bottoms on the seat the whole time. They still fidget and struggle to sit still, but it's in working progress.
Running a tight ship this week has been sooooo exhausting physically, emotionally, and mentally! However, I praise God that I see little progress here and there. We should always rejoice in small victories!
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