When Clara gets to have special time with Grandparents, I really try to get out of the way. It is my desire for granparents to have freedom in their relationships with Clara. (I succeed more often with my in-laws than with my parents, but it's something I'm working on.) While Mike and I are always talking about parenting and our values behind what we're doing, I understand that the role of grandparents, at least in our family, is pure pleasure and enjoyment - for both the grandparents and Clara. And, it is Really Good for me to practice giving up some control.
Well, life after the Florida trip has been...a challenge. Clara pretty much ruled the roost there and we have been having some Crazy days. Blatant disobedience, tons of whining, and (I'm so embarrased to confess) raised voice and frustration on my part. To top it off, we're going away again this weekend so I have a low level of anxiety about traveling with a toddler who has gotten used to getting her way. It just seems like a recipe for disaster.
God really showed me that I need to Reign in the Boudaries bigtime with Clara. Today, we had a day where I pretty much determined Every moment of her time. Coupled with some early in the morning disciple, we have had a completely different day today. A Good Day! I had my sweet, obediant child back. Clara really did get "wise in her own eyes" over the vacation and thought that she had the wisdom to determine everything in her life. Hence all of the complaining and disobeying. I realized that she had lost the priveldge of making so many choices throughout her day because she could so clearly not handle it. I think it is so true what the Ezzo' say - that a kid is ready for choices when they have no problem not having them. And, I was calmer because I was opperating within a plan again rather than simply reacting to her behavior. Anyways...a super-encouraging day at the Frisco's! God really is so faithful and really does give us wisdom when we ask for it!
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