spanking kids...

First of all, I am no expert on raising kids. Just ask my kids. I decided to answer this question I received in a whole post: Do you believe in spanking/do you spank your kids?

Well. In a perfect world, no. Not at all. I'm big, they're small, so...no.

But. In a REAL world, there have been times when I was just totally not kidding when I asked them to stop something, and a little smackeroo on the butt let them know that. But I still think there are better ways, and if could do it all over again, I wouldn't even do that.

The thing with parenting is that the parent is a person too...full of demands and anger and impatience.

So the key to effective discipline is first and foremost: be aware of your OWN SELF. If you are getting mad, beware. Yes, maybe the child did something wrong. But mixing in your anger with the discipline is not good.

Try to see things from a small child's viewpoint. A child wants praise and goodness, affection, warmth, security. Talking, and encouraging the good behavior work well for me.

But I cannot take any credit for my kids, and the way they are growing up into fine adults. No, it is by the grace of God, in all seriousness. They have been blessed to grow up in an environment where children are revered, welcomed, and loved.

( go to www.brunstad.org)

Anyway. I have been busy! No time for blogging! Paul took the day off from work and put planted the garden. I have been home all day, except for driving one daughter to one place. We had a picnic lunch, and pitched a tent in the front yard to play in. We made posters and played playdough, and sang, "Oh Suzanna" fifty times, with a different state each time. (Little Davian:)).

Jonathan and I are getting ready to book our tickets to Washington state! We are so excited. Paul might go with us too:)!

Healthwise, I am doing better. I am adapting to ketosis, and finding it rather easy to stick to plan, as I don't get very hungry or crave sugar these days. I am still rather shaky in the mornings, but it is improving. I am sticking to this come heck or high water...and at the end of the summer, I'll have an ice cream cone....