Oh the never ending joys of motherhood. After repeated attempts to get my middle OS Aaron to think of others, i.e. flushing the toilet after using it, Aaron is currently experiencing a consequence. He has to clean the bathrooms...all three of them and wow, he's having a great learning experience! NOT!
This morning I awoke to find a lovely yellow "present" in the potty. I shouted, er, uh, politely inquired of my children, curious to find who left behind the charming, lingering reminder of their presence. At least Aaron confessed. He can't seem to remember to flush every single time. How can a guy continually forget to flush the toilet? Ew! If you notice my profile, bathroom hygiene is a big deal for me. My lifelong goals are to raise three sons who love Jesus and also keep the toilet seat down after using it. Is this too much to ask? As I considered my disciplinary options, I decided I needed to get serious and give him a punishment he would remember. As of right now, I'd say this punishment is immensely effective.
I am definitely a contender for World's Worst Mom today. It's not a title I covet but I'm willing to accept it since I know it's only temporary. I just don't want to be a wimp when it comes to raising my three OS. Check out what the Bible says about discipline, "no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrew 12:11) Is there someone in your family you think could have benefited from more discipline, more consequences, more training? I see scores of young people who fall into this category. I know plenty of adults who are spoiled and self-centered. This world certainly doesn't need three more!
One day when Aaron is older, I think he will look back at this experience and smile. He will hopefully recall how we didn't back down and trained him up in the way he should go. "You show love to your family when you flush the toilet," I offered a proverb of my own. (Feel free to use it with any male in your house). Aaron reflected upon this, not sure what to say but I think he's learned a few lessons, not just about washing sinks and scrubbing toilet bowls but about character and consideration. Maybe he'll be a Christian plumber/actor/football pro one day! A righteous man who loves the Lord, puts the seat down AND flushes - I have high hopes! He should be excellent husband material one day!
4 comments:
I'm sure he loved having his picture taken as well. ;)
some of my happiest childhood memories have been of cleaning the old terlit. what great times. i'm glad you're giving Aaron the same type of experiences. they are a constant well of knowledge and strength to me. i know that if I fail at any other endeavor, I can at least clean a toilet. For that I say, "Thank you!" Thank you for teaching me how to clean.
Cindy,
This is so familiar! We are in the process of training blake to put the seat down, too. (And to convince him that he needs to be proactive in thinking of what others may need done for them. At least we taught very early on to "wipe" the seat after any sprinkles. Now whenever he visits somewhere and someone left some sprinkles behind, he gets so indignant. Anyway...progress is progress.
As far as Aaron- we love that child! Except when he comes over here, he DOES drink milk straight from the carton, and he LOVES to bite his toenails, but we are working with him. HAHA! We would not have him any other way!! (Remember, he was the first boy long ago who visited our home and offered to clear the table and wash the dishes for me. After that, I would not care what he does- he's gold to me!) But, you are helping the Lord do and complete a good work in all of your olive shoots. We parents are here for that, too. Take care! Love Wendy Locklar
As a single woman, let me say thank you! I only hope that the man I marry has been taught the skill of a "fresh bowl" and keeping the seat down. It could be worse, he could have put bubble gum on the seat :D
Lorri
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