Friday, March 30, 2012

An Impulsive Post (just like my son!)

I haven't been keeping up on my blogging, sorry! I wish I could tell you it is because we haven't done anything blog worthy but that just is not true. It is just when the opportunity comes up to blog about something I would rather be doing something else than sitting in front of the computer. Each entry takes days for me to finally publish, and committing to something for days is not something I am good at.

We have been doing a lot of work in our yard, hung some wall decor in our dining room, painted our kitchen door with chalkboard paint and a few other projects, but house updates isn't the topic for this entry.

This entry is about motherhood.

I love love love my job as Matthew's mom. I wouldn't take it back for anything. I love it so much we have discussed adding another Kirby to the household! However, this is not a birth announcement nor is it about how awesome my almost 4-year-old is (but he is!).

It's not always fun being a mom.

When I went to pick Matthew up from preschool today the teacher was waiting for me at the door. Normally the head of preschool is there letting each child go to their designated parent/vehicle. I instantly said  "uh oh" which his teacher replied with "ummm...yeah...we had a hard time with Matthew today..." My heart instantly sank in my chest. I have been here before. Earlier in the year when I went to pick Matthew up, the head of preschool told me his teacher would be calling later to discuss Matthew's behavior that day. I hate the feeling that comes over me. I feel like I have failed. Like they are looking at me like I don't know what I am doing and obviously there must be some sort of abuse or neglect at home. Today, his teacher proceeded to tell me, out of nowhere Matthew had went over and knocked over blocks that another kid was playing with. Yes, it seems small, but her point was they have noticed many impulsive, unkind behaviors recently. I know she was only telling me to make me aware of the situation and possibly work on these immature behaviors at home.  The problem is, we do work on them. I see them happen during Sunday school, Bible Study Fellowship and play dates with friends. I do correct the behavior as soon as I see it happen, but I cannot do anything about it when he is out of my care. I am just frustrated. I feel like I have noticed a lot of impulsive, aggressive behavior from him lately and I do not know what to do about it. I am not one of those parents that does not follow through on my threats with Matthew and I know I have more sever punishments than most parents. Then on the other hand I am almost certain Matthew will grow out of it. I feel like right now he is testing the grounds. What can he get away with and what can he not get away with? Isn't that normal?

There is a verse in the Bible that I have been meaning to put up somewhere in Matthew's room. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right, 'Honor your father and mother'-- which is the first commandment with a promise-- 'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" I want so much for Matthew to honor Patrick and I in many ways but one way specifically by respecting and loving others. I also want him to enjoy his life here on earth.

Do any moms out there have any suggestions for our current situation? Any ideas on how we can work on respecting, being kind to others and thinking before doing?