Stuff That Matters in Life

Katy’s Weblog

It is often said that attitude is everything.

This is especially true when you are teaching children.

If your attitude towards teaching is to discipline the children into doing what you want them to do, then you will be frustrated. It will be a constant battle, you against the children.

But if your attitude is to understand the children, and finding the best ways to teach them according to their bent, then you will enjoy teaching more. You will not be fighting against the children, but you will be working with them. You will also begin to love the children for who they are, and not as subjects that you are trying to change.

What is life?

Filed under Generalby Joyful

I am doing 3 loads of laundry today.
Yesterday I did one load of laundry.
Tomorrow I’ll probably do another load of laundry.

And so it goes.

Is this what life is about?

80%, or even 90% of what I do is repetitive. What I accomplished today will have to be done again tomorrow. It doesn’t seem like I am getting ahead. Is maintaining life all there is to life?

Read more of “What is life?”

Some tips on teaching children, not necessarily your own. Just some thoughts and practical help based on my experiences and training.

Dealing with trouble makers –
First, you need to adjust your attitude. This little monster today may become a great world leader tomorrow. Would you look back with pride that you had a positive influence on this child, or with regret that you marginalized him? Each child that crosses our paths has great potential. Look beyond his aggravating antics today. He merely hasn’t reached his potential. So treat him with patience and kindness.

The troublemaker is usually looking for attention. When she misbehaves in the class, dish out the appropriate punishment. Afterwards, give her a lot of positive attention. Children, as with adults too, like to be made special. Give her attention outside of the classroom. Ask her to come to class early to help you set up the class. Call her at home and praise her for something good that she did that day. Give her a hug when she leaves for the day. Write her a note and tell her you love having her in your class.

Remember, behavior do not change in a day. But consistent love and kindness will be felt by even the most difficult child. He may not become the perfect child in your class, but you can be confident that love never fails. Your positive influence will have a place in his future.

“You are a good mom. I want to be a mother like you one day.”

Someone said that to me yesterday, and it is to me the best compliment I could ever receive.

There is not a single thing I have invested my life in more than what I have put into my children. Seeing my efforts pay off is most gratifying.

What in this world would you put 20+ years of your life into? What is worth putting in all your most valuable resources – time, emotions, money, effort?

Children are our future. They determine our future. Therefore, not only do our own children deserve our effort, but all children is worth our investment. While we cannot have the same degree of influence on other children as we do on our own, but imagine if you can spend time with a few children for an hour once a week for a year. Do you think you can have some effect on their lives? You bet you can.

That’s why I think everyone should help out in some way in the children’s program at his/her church.

Nagging

Filed under Generalby Joyful

Nagging is so satisfying because you feel like you are doing something productive to get the work done.

You want the trash taken out by your son, and he doesn’t. So you nag him. It gives you a sense of satisfaction to think that he will take the trash out now that you’ve nagged him. Nagging gives the feeling that you have control over him and over the trash situation.

But does nagging actually work?
Does he take the trash out after you nagged him? Probably not.

Nagging does not accomplish your objective. In fact, it is probably counter productive to your goal.

If your goal is to have the trash taken out, you can take it out yourself and maintain full control of the situation. You’re done.

If your goal is to teach your son the responsibility of doing chores, nagging teaches him to be irresponsible. In fact, it teaches him to tune you out, and resent you.

So I am trying not to nag at my kids, my husband, or anyone. It does not get me what I want, and does nothing but drive them away.

Vegetarian

Filed under Generalby Joyful

Vegetarian veg·e·tar·i·an [vej-i-tair-ee-uhn] = An Old Indian word that means Bad Hunter

I saw that on a shirt on the man in front of me at the post office today. It made the waiting time felt shorter. 🙂

If you are wondering what my middle child daughter gave me for Mother’s Day –

She took the lead in cooking dinner AND washed the whole day’s dishes. She found a recipe and with the help of my husband and youngest daughter, made a delicious chicken with cream sauce over broccoli entree, served with pasta.

She also said I am her best friend – definitely a great Mother’s Day present.

Thank you!

I don’t eat candy. I don’t like chocolates. I don’t want flowers that die in a few days.

What do I want for Mother’s Day?

In Sunday School, I asked my class of young adults to name a few people who has influenced their Christian life. My son is in my class, and he said…my mom.

He gave me a Mother’s Day present that I wanted.

This morning, my youngest daughter gave me a 2-page letter written on lined paper. She detailed all reasons why she loves me, naming several incidences when I made special efforts to please her, even back to events that happened 3 years ago. She remembered.

She gave me a Mother’s Day present that I wanted.

Thank you!