Whew, it's been quite a while since I've had a chance to blog; with a new puppy (argh, I forgot how hard puppies are), our house on the market, and just everyday life, I just haven't had the time to sit down and write a post. Or read blogs, which I dearly miss. I'm so amazed by those moms that just have it all together and blog regularly. What it your secret???
But I've been inspired. I've been reading the
Duggar family's book
"The Duggars: 20 and Counting", and I've enjoyed it so much that I thought I'd share a few things they have to say about their life with 18 (and counting!!) kids.
Ok, I'll admit. When I first heard of their show on TLC "17 kids and counting", I thought they must be crazy. I mean really, who in their right mind has that many kids??? And Michelle (the mom) has weird hair, and the girls all wear long skirts, so they must be religious fanatics, and various other really judgmental things that I'm very ashamed ever went through my mind. Because now I want to be Michelle's best friend. And learn everything she has to teach me.
I'm only about halfway through the book, but I could not be more impressed this family. First and foremost, they are not religious fanatics. They are Christians with very sound beliefs and strong convictions. Their girls wear skirts simply because they believe in modesty. They have 18 kids because after suffering a miscarriage, Michelle and Jim Bob decided to leave it up to God to determine how many children He would bless them with. And boy, has He blessed them.
Last night I started reading their chapter on parenting tips. I've read a few books on Christian parenting, and I've gleaned knowledge and wisdom from all of them. However, sometimes I felt overwhelmed by all the "stuff" I needed to be teaching my children and doing with them every day in order to be a successful parent--like reading them stories directly from the Bible for 30 minutes every day---and Bible storybooks won't do. It has to be original text. I'm not saying that's not a good idea, but some parenting plans I've read were really complicated.
But the Duggars keep it simple. I really like this quote from Michelle:
"I tell our children over and over again, 'You can gain all kinds of training, but no matter what skills and talents you possess, if you do these two things, you'll be successful: first, love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and strength, and second, love your neighbor as yourself.' If our children learn those two things while they're under my tutelage, then I've been successful. And they will be too."Here's another one I love:"We dont just lay down a stern do-what-I-say-or-else rule. We teach them why obedience is so crucial. I tell them 'As I teach you to obey my voice, I'm also teaching you to learn to obey God's voice. Someday, you will learn to hear His still, small voice in your heart, and you will know to obey Him. You'll know what's the right thing to do.' "I love how these statements are so simple, but can be interpreted and applied in a million different scenarios in my everyday life as a mom. I don't have to have 50 different behavior models or discipline plans depending on situations that arise. Without quoting the entire chapter, I will just say that their tips on getting children to obey "instantly" (an issue in our house with a certain, un-named, strong-willed little girl :)) worked wonders today. Whenever I asked her to do something today, I heard "Yes, ma'am" and the task was done. As opposed to the repertoire of whining, arguing, and throwing oneself on the floor that would occasionally occur around here. Yes, it's only been one day, but it was a great day. A really great day. And for that, I am grateful to the Duggars. No, I am NOT planning on having 18 children (and counting!), but I do believe God is using this family to spread his Word through their TV show and books. So check them out sometime if you have a chance!
