Just a little Respect?

Today I had one of those days where I felt like I did everything wrong. I'm letting the stress of this party get the best of me. Really, who yells at a four year old who doesn't put their jacket on the instant they are asked? I guess some people do, but it's not my thing. I know what I should do. I could have made it fun. We could have had jacket races, or put it on backwards and pretend to not notice. I could have taken the fact that he was playing a really cool computer game into consideration.

Instead, I behaved like a child who wasn't getting what they wanted and the wanted it NOW. I yelled. I threatened. I begged. Then I yelled loud. That got him moving. Ick.

I'm trying to figure out why I want instant obedience so badly. It infuriates me when my kids don't comply. I *know* at this age it isn't about defiance. He's engrossed in a game. He needs more time to transition. Instead of expecting him to march to his shoes and jacket like Friedrich VonTrapp I could have given him more warning. As an adult I don't like to be told to do things. It's nice to be asked. And it's nice to be asked nicely.

I like to ask myself how I would like to be spoken to. Why can't we show kids the same respect? What makes them any less different than me? Really, when I order my kids around they get this message - Biggers order littles around. It's OK to be rude if you're a grown up. It doesn't mean that I have to ask in a sickening sugary sweet voice to put on his jacket. But I could make the request and wait. Ask again. Ask if he needs help? Assist if needed.

Matthew 7:12 states "Do unto others, as you would have others do unto you."

I don't think that I was very obedient to those words today. I failed, and I failed miserably.

Bear, as usual, accepted my apology with a great big grin and a "I forgive you Mommy". I know that God forgives me too.